Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for a pivot cradle of an axial piston machine includes an actuating piston configured to enable the pivot cradle to be pivoted about a pivot axis. The actuating piston delimits an actuating chamber by which pressure medium is configured to be applied to the actuating piston. The charging of pressure medium to and the discharging of pressure medium from the actuating chamber is controlled by a regulating valve. The regulating valve has a regulating piston configured to be adjusted by a solenoid. The regulating piston and the actuating piston are mechanically coupled to one another. Current is supplied to the solenoid depending on a setpoint pivot angle of the pivot cradle and depending on the previous state of the setpoint pivot angle, thereby largely reducing hysteresis effects of the solenoid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a route plan for accessing harvestable resources is provided. A processor receives a node layout for a location with harvestable resources, wherein the location includes at least two parcels. A processor determines a first route network for the location at a first time step. A processor determines a second route network for the location at a second time step. A processor generates a first route plan is based, at least in part, on the first route network and the second route network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a route plan for accessing harvestable resources is provided. A processor receives a node layout for a location with harvestable resources, wherein the location includes at least two parcels. A processor determines a first route network for the location at a first time step. A processor determines a second route network for the location at a second time step. A processor generates a first route plan is based, at least in part, on the first route network and the second route network.

Abstract: A system for assisting an operator to maneuver a machine on a worksite is provided. The system includes a rotation sensor associated with a transmission assembly of the machine. The rotation sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a rotation of a ground engaging member of the machine. The system includes a controller communicably coupled to the rotation sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the rotation of the ground engaging member of the machine. The controller is configured to determine if the machine is on a reverse traversal. The controller is configured to estimate a number of rotations of the ground engaging member based on the determination of the reverse traversal of the machine. The controller is configured to compare the estimated number of rotations with a predetermined threshold. The controller is further configured to alert the operator based on the comparison.

Abstract: A farm work machine (1) operable in a variety of work modes includes a communications unit (5) that reads farm work information for a selected target farm work sector from a database of a management center storing the farm work information for each farm work sector, a work mode setting unit (46) which sets work modes, a work mode comparison unit (53) that effects comparison between a set work mode set by the work mode setting unit and a registered work mode included in farm work information read from the database, and a display data generation unit (55) that generates display data in order to display, on a display, the read farm work information and a result of the comparison effected by the mode comparison unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.

Abstract: A fixing device for an LCD module and a faceplate includes a frame having one side fixing an LCD module and another side provided with plural fixing plates respectively bored with an elongated insert hole. A circuit board is secured at a rear side of a faceplate and provided with plural locking plates corresponding with the fixing plates so that the fixing plates of the frame can be respectively secured with the locking plates. Thus, relative positions of an LCD module and a faceplate can be adjusted and hence LCD modules different in thickness can be firmly fixed with a faceplate and the surface of the LCD module can be stably kept flush with the surface of the faceplate.

Abstract: A method for determination of vehicle characteristics in reference to an optimum path and determination of machine performance adjustment based on a calculated time of arrival relative to an optimum time of arrival. The method provides a resultant instantaneous display of modified vehicle settings to the operator.

Abstract: A method for a six degree of freedom position and orientation determination of a known shape in a scenery is disclosed. The method includes taking a range image with a range imaging camera and a visual picture with a digital camera. The range imaging camera includes a sensor array with a first number of pixels. Determining a 3D cluster of points from range information collected from the sensor array to a point of the scenery. the digital camera comprises an image sensor having a second number of pixels, resulting in a 2D picture. A stored 3D digital representation of the known shape may be fitted in a virtual space to match the reproduction of the known object in the 2D picture and the 3D cluster of points and determining the six degree of freedom position and orientation of the known shape according to the virtual match.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of controlling a work implement of a machine. The machine includes a controller for controlling the implement, a sensor, a hydraulic pump for producing a fluid pressure, and a valve disposed in communication with the pump. The method includes selectively operating the machine according to a first operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the hydraulic pump is operably controlled to produce a fluid pressure between a first pressure and a second pressure, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure. The method also includes sending a signal to the controller, the signal corresponding to a request for a fluid pressure greater than the second pressure. The method further includes transitioning from the first operating mode to a second operating mode and increasing the fluid pressure from the second pressure to a third pressure during the transition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling the operation of an industrial machine including one or more components. A method of controlling the industrial machine includes determining a position of at least one of the one or more components of the industrial machine during a digging operation, determining a hoist bail pull setting based on the position of the at least one of the one or more components and a relationship between component position and hoist bail pull, and setting a level of hoist bail pull to the hoist bail pull setting. The level of hoist bail pull early in the digging operation is greater than the level of hoist bail pull later in the digging operation.

Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

Abstract: In general, systems and methods for controlling work machine implements are described. In one embodiment, a system for controlling a hydraulically-powered third-party work machine implement includes a microcontroller-based conversion module capable of transforming implement control signals from their native format (e.g., PWM) to a signal format required by the implement to function properly (e.g., digital). A hydraulic flow activation signal can be simultaneously generated and transmitted to the implement so that hydraulic flow occurs only when control signals are received and the implement is caused to be in motion or otherwise activated.

Abstract: A drive system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The drive system may have a travel speed sensor, at least one traction device speed sensor, and a controller in communication with the travel speed sensor and the at least one traction device speed sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a slip value associated with a traction device of the mobile machine based on signals generated by the travel speed sensor and the at least one traction device speed sensor, and determine a torque output value of the mobile machine. The control may also be configured to make a comparison of the slip value and the torque output value with a pull-slip curve stored in memory, and selectively update the pull-slip curve based on the comparison.

Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, and a plurality of lift and gauge wheel lift mechanisms. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the lift and gauge wheel lift mechanisms has a rear lift wheel actuator and a front gauge wheel actuator. A control system is configured to independently actuate the rear lift wheel actuators and the front gauge wheel actuators to control a depth of tilling elements in each of the sections when the implement is in a field configuration, and to level the implement front to rear and side to side.

Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit, hydraulic cylinders, a prospective speed obtaining part, a relative speed obtaining part, a speed limit selecting part and a hydraulic cylinder controlling part. The prospective speed obtaining part obtains first and second prospective speeds depending on first and second intervals between first and second monitoring points of the bucket and a designed surface, respectively. The relative speed obtaining part obtains first and second relative speeds of the first and second monitoring points relative to the designed surface, respectively. The speed limit selecting part selects one of the first and second prospective speeds as a speed limit based on relative relations between the first and second relative speeds and the first and second prospective speeds, respectively. The hydraulic cylinder controlling part limits a relative speed of one of the first and second monitoring points to the speed limit.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the moisture content of soil deposited in a furrow during seed planting comprises tilling the soil to an adjustable depth to expose soil corresponding to a reference soil moisture setting, selecting covering soil from the exposed soil having a moisture content that matches the moisture content of the reference soil moisture setting, and depositing the covering soil over the seed.

Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.

Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.

Abstract: A swing control apparatus and a swing control method for a construction machine are provided. The swing control apparatus includes a start position estimation unit, a stop target position calculation unit, and a swing motor position control unit. Even if an operator releases a lever or commands a stop at different times, an upper swing structure of the construction machine (for example, excavator) can be stopped within a predetermined range, and thus the inconvenience caused by an additional driving operation, which is required as the stop position differs according to the time point where the stop command starts, can be solved.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention a ripping mechanism for a vehicle is provided which includes a support frame, a ripping member, a vibrator mechanism, a pressure sensor, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine when the ripping member is engaged with hard material using the pressure sensor. When the ripping member is engaged with hard material, the control system is configured to permit operation of the vibrator mechanism. In some embodiments, the control system may further be configured to automatically start the vibrator mechanism when it detects that the ripping member is engaged with hard material. When the ripping member is not engaged with hard material, the control system is configured to deactivate the vibrator mechanism. In some embodiments, deactivation of the vibrator mechanism means that the control system turns off the vibrator mechanism.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural row unit movable on a field between a first soil condition and a second soil condition, the first soil condition having a different soil hardness than the second soil condition. A down-pressure actuator applies an initial first pressure associated with the first soil condition. A soil-hardness sensing device is positioned at a distance D forward of the row unit and outputs a soil-hardness change signal when detecting a change from the first soil condition to the second soil condition. At least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the down-pressure actuator to change, in response to receiving the soil-hardness change signal, the initial first pressure to a different second pressure when the row unit encounters the second soil condition.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The system includes a ripper sensor associated with a ripper of the machine configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the ripper. The system includes a steering command sensor associated with a steering control module of the machine. The steering command sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a steering command of the machine. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signals indicative of the position of the ripper and the steering command of the machine. The controller is configured to execute an action based on the engaged state of the ripper and the steering command of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a blade control system. The blade control system is provided to adjust the angle of a blade and to adjust the pitch of the blade. A method for adjusting the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A work machine includes a vehicle body, a blade supported by the vehicle body, a pair of first hydraulic air of second hydraulic cylinders, a pair of lift stroke sensors and a control unit. The first hydraulic cylinders are configured to lower and raise the blade. The second hydraulic cylinders are configured to tilt the blade forward and backward and left and right. The lift stroke sensors are configured to detect stroke amounts from the pair of first hydraulic cylinders, respectively. The control unit is configured to start actuating the pair of second hydraulic cylinders when the stroke amounts of the pair of first hydraulic cylinders match. The control unit is configured to stop actuating the pair of second hydraulic cylinders based on a magnitude relation between a prescribed threshold and a difference in the stroke amounts of the pair of first hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, and a furrow-opening module comprising a first linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, a first movable frame pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the first movable frame relative to the linkage, a furrow-opening device mounted on the first movable frame, and a first biasing element pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the first movable frame for urging the furrow-opening device downwardly against the soil. The row unit also includes a furrow-closing module and a second biasing element for urging the at least one furrow-closing device downwardly against the soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural tool for a tractor tool bar comprises a unit, such as a planter unit, that includes a ground contacting member for performing a working operation on the ground for changing the state of the soil, such as by opening a furrow to receive a seed from the planter unit. A downpressure system for the tool includes a two part telescopic air shock extending between the tool bar and a parallelogram linkage that attaches the unit to the tool bar. A sensor is operatively connected to the portion of the air shock that is attached to the parallelogram linkage for sending a signal representative of the length of the shock to an electronic controller. The controller operates through a feedback loop to attempt to maintain the air shock at a predetermined length which corresponds to a desired amount of downpressure.

Abstract: An aerator with low fuel level control includes a low fuel level sensor, and a controller electrically connected to the low fuel level sensor and to the coring head that provides a warning to the operator and raises the coring head and/or prevents lowering the coring head into the operating position after the low fuel level sensor indicates a low fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: An aerator hole spacing control with lockout prevents operation of a coring head except if the speed control is at a limited range of preset coring speed positions between the minimum and the maximum. Electrical signals corresponding to a coring speed may be provided to a controller that allows the coring head to be lowered to an operating position only if the signals are within the limited range of preset coring speed positions.

Abstract: In a rotation control device for rotating a rotation motor at speed in accordance with a boom raising operation amount, at the time of a combined operation for simultaneously performing a rotation action and a boom raising action, a limitation value of rotation torque in accordance with the boom raising operation amount is determined by rotation torque limitation value setting means of a controller, the limitation value serving as a rotation torque limitation value is sent to rotation speed control means, and a command value of the rotation torque is torque-limited by rotation torque limiting means.

Abstract: A method for driving a ripper is provided in which the movement of a ripper attached to the rear of the body of a bulldozer is controlled. The method includes a first step in which the ripper is operated while the bulldozer is moving forward or is stopped, a second step in which the bulldozer is reversed and the ripper is raised, and a third step in which the ripper is automatically raised.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling operation of a tractor and/or agricultural implement towed by the tractor is disclosed. A vibration sensor is mounted to the agricultural implement to detect the magnitude of vibration, or bounce, on the agricultural implement. Because the magnitude of the vibration is a function of several operating parameters including, but not limited to, the speed at which the tractor is travelling and the downward pressure applied to the agricultural implement, one or more additional sensors are provided to monitor these operating parameters. Each of the sensors generates a feedback signal and transmits it to the controller. The controller is configured to generate an reference signal to control an actuator as a function of the magnitude of vibration and the measured operating parameter. The actuator receiving the reference signal is configured to control operation of the tractor or agricultural implement to reduce the magnitude of vibration.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a linkage pivotably coupled to an attachment frame, and a row unit frame with a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, and includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder. A hydraulic-fluid cavity is located within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator is positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder and has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas.

Abstract: A blade control system of the present invention includes a determining part which is configured to determine whether or not a load acting on a blade exceeds a first threshold, and a tilt controlling part which is configured to supply a hydraulic oil to a tilt cylinder for causing the blade to perform a rightward tilt action and a leftward tilt action when the determining part determines that the load acting on the blade exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a support member for urging a soil-engaging tool coupled to the support member downwardly toward the soil. A hydraulic line is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder, and a controllable valve is provided in the hydraulic line for controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder through the line. A pressure sensor, such as a load cell or strain gauge, is connected between the hydraulic cylinder and the support member for producing an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure on the tool, and a controller is coupled to the pressure sensor and the controllable valve, the controller being adapted to receive the electrical signal from the pressure sensor and produce a control signal for controlling the valve thus the supply of the hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: A system for determining a cut location at a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a final design plane of the work surface and determines an actual profile of the work surface. A plurality of target profiles extending along a path are determined, each corresponding to a cut location. The target profiles are based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile, slot parameters, and the actual profile of the work surface. The controller is further configured to determine a lowest cost target profile and the lowest cost target profile defines an optimized cut location. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine implement. The control system includes a measurement sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide an implement measurement signal and an operator command signal, and to determine an adjusted implement command based signal based on the implement measurement signal and the operator command signal.

Abstract: One agricultural system includes a hitch assembly configured to couple an agricultural vehicle with an agricultural implement. The agricultural system also includes a sensor coupled to the hitch assembly and configured to provide a signal indicative of a force applied to the hitch assembly by the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The agricultural system includes control circuitry configured to receive the signal from the sensor, to select a parameter associated with operation of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement, based on the signal, to determine if performance of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement will be improved by adjusting the parameter, and to control the parameter if performance of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement will be improved.