Abstract: A method for controlling a utility vehicle includes detecting, via a sensor, an elevation profile of a region located in front of the utility vehicle in the direction of travel. The method also includes initializing a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells. The grid extends at least in a longitudinal direction and in a vertical direction of the region. The method further includes assigning the detected elevation profile to associated grid cells by writing elevation profile data into grid cells and controlling the vehicle based on the elevation profile data.

Abstract: A control system for a double-acting air cylinder of an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly configured to control a base end air pressure and a rod end air pressure of the double-acting air cylinder. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to determine a target base end air pressure and a target rod end air pressure based on a target force of the double-acting air cylinder and a target damping factor of the double-acting air cylinder. The controller is also configured to control the valve assembly such that a first difference between the base end air pressure and the target base end air pressure is less than a first threshold value and a second difference between the rod end air pressure and the target rod end air pressure is less than a second threshold value.

Abstract: A construction machine includes: a lower travelling body; an upper slewing body attached to the lower travelling body with a structure allowing the upper slewing body to slew with respect to the lower travelling body; a work device attached to the upper slewing body with a structure allowing the work device to swing in a vertical direction with respect to the upper slewing body; a motion state acquisition unit acquiring a motion state amount; an equivalent system forming unit which forms a transfer function which uses a driving force for moving the work device as an input and uses the motion state amount as an output as an equivalent system which equivalently expresses an operation of the work device; and a parameter estimation unit which estimates a system attenuation coefficient and a natural angular frequency of the transfer function as an operation skill evaluation value.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for detecting loose soil having an arm with a first end and a second end. A detector wheel is engaged with the second end of the arm. A spring is configured to bias the arm or the detector wheel in a first direction. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the movement of the arm or the detector wheel in the first direction exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along a seedbed floor as an implement frame is moved across the field. The system may also include an actuator configured to adjust the position of the seedbed tool along a lateral direction relative to the implement frame such that the seedbed tool traverses a lateral swath of the seedbed floor along the lateral direction. Furthermore, the system may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect the position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame. The position of the seedbed tool may be indicative of a profile of the lateral swath of the seedbed floor as the seedbed tool rides along the seedbed floor with movement of the implement frame in the forward travel direction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot point. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point. Additionally, the system includes a sensor configured to detect a load applied through a pivot member extending through at least one of the frame or assembly at any pivot point between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The system further includes a controller, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on the detected load applied through the pivot member.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the levelness of a multi-wing agricultural implement may include a central frame section, a wing section pivotably coupled to the central frame section and a field contour sensor configured to generate data indicative of a contour of an aft portion of the field located rearward of the implement relative to a direction of travel of the implement. The system may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the field contour sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the data received from the field contour sensor and assess a levelness of the implement based at least in part on the contour of the aft portion of the field.

Abstract: A system for detecting the operational status of ground engaging tools for agricultural implements includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ground engaging tool coupled to the frame. The system further includes one or more sensors supported relative to the frame. The sensor(s) are configured to capture data indicative of a fluid flow past the ground engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system further includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensor(s) and identify an operational status of the ground engaging tool based at least in part on a comparison between one or more monitored values associated with the fluid flow past the ground engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field and a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An agricultural toolbar has a center section and opposite wings which are horizontally foldable between transport and field positions. The toolbar has a hydraulic system which is very adaptable to many different hydraulically controlled features and options, without sacrificing the primary purpose of the system, which is accurately controlling the operating height of the toolbar, to achieve optimal planting depth of modern precision seed and fertilizer application systems.

Abstract: A frame control system for an agricultural implement includes a first sensor configured to be coupled to a sub-frame of the agricultural implement and directed toward a soil surface. The first sensor is configured to emit a first output signal toward the soil surface and to receive a first return signal indicative of a first height of the sub-frame above the soil surface. The frame control system also includes a first sub-frame actuator configured to be coupled to the sub-frame and to a main frame of the agricultural implement. The first sub-frame actuator is configured to control a first position of the sub-frame relative to the main frame along a vertical axis. In addition, the frame control system includes a controller configured to control the first sub-frame actuator such that a difference between the first height and a target height is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method is performed by a computer. The method includes obtaining motion data indicating a motion change of a work vehicle, and determining an operation classification of the work vehicle from the motion data by performing image classification using a trained classification model. The motion data is generated from a plurality of images indicating the work vehicle in operation in time series.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a header and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication to operate the agricultural system in a non-harvesting mode, output a first signal to set the header in a set profile upon initialization of the non-harvesting mode, receive sensor feedback indicative of an obstacle position of an obstacle relative to the header while the agricultural system operates in the non-harvesting mode, and output a second signal to adjust the header to deviate from the set profile based on the sensor feedback while the agricultural system operates in the non-harvesting mode.

Abstract: An agricultural trench depth sensing system having a trench implement adapted to be disposed in a soil trench opened in a soil surface. In one embodiment an ultrasonic sensor detects a distance to an upper surface of said trench implement or a target disposed thereon. In another embodiment, said trench implement includes one or more fingers which rotate with respect to said trench implement to detect the soil surface relative to said trench implement. In another embodiment, said trench implement includes side sensors for detecting the sidewall of the soil trench.

Abstract: A method is performed by a computer. The method includes obtaining motion data indicating a motion change of a work vehicle, and determining an operation classification of the work vehicle from the motion data by performing image classification using a trained classification model. The motion data is generated from a plurality of images indicating the work vehicle in operation in time series.

Abstract: The invention describes an equalization mechanism of weight between a central chassis and the side tool-bars of an agricultural machinery and implements, by distributing the weight between the central chassis and the tool-bar frame through pneumatic springs, installed in a slanted position, through specific fixing brackets between the central chassis and the tool-bar frame.

Abstract: A system for identifying plugging within an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. A fluidic actuator is coupled to the ground engaging tool. The fluidic actuator is operable to adjust the ground engaging tool between a lifted position and a ground engaging position. A pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of fluid supplied to the fluidic actuator. A controller is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the pressure sensor, a signal that corresponds to the pressure of fluid supplied to the fluidic actuator. The controller is further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool is plugged based at least in part on the signal from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system for detecting the levelness of ground engaging tools of a tillage implement including an agricultural implement including a frame and tool assemblies supported relative to the frame. The tool assemblies each include a toolbar coupled to the frame and one or more ground engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. The system further includes sensors coupled to two of the tool assemblies and configured to capture data indicative of a load acting on the one or more ground engaging tools of the tool assemblies. Additionally, the system includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensors and compare at least one monitored value associated with the load acting on the ground engaging tool(s) of each of the tool assemblies. Moreover, the controller is further configured to identify the ground engaging tool(s) are not level when the monitored value(s) differ by a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A grade control indicator assembly is disclosed. The grade control indicator assembly may include a keypad to control one or more functionalities of a machine, where the keypad includes a set of grade control light indicators integrated into the keypad, and where the set of grade control light indicators includes a first subset of grade control light indicators for indicating a grade of the machine with respect to a first side of the machine and a second subset of grade control light indicators for indicating the grade of the machine with respect to a second side of the machine.

Abstract: A system for automated processing of a plurality of batches, each batch being derived from one biological sample, the system comprising an enclosure which can be closed and sterilized, each batch of the plurality of batches comprising one or more cell processing container; a plurality of reagent containers for holding reagents within the enclosure; at least one reagent dispenser within the enclosure for dispensing reagents during said automated processing; a quality control system within the enclosure for analyzing at least one characteristic of a batch during said automated processing; a harvester within the enclosure for harvesting batches; a robotic system within the enclosure, configured for transporting cell processing containers, decapping or otherwise opening cell processing containers, pipetting reagents or liquids from cell processing containers, and aspirating liquids from cell processing containers, during said automated processing; a tracker for electronically tracking the plurality of batches aft

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting closing disc penetration depth of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow closing assembly having at least one closing disc configured to penetrate the soil in a manner that closes a furrow formed in the soil by the seed-planting implement. The system may also include an actuator configured to adjust a penetration depth of the at least one closing disc. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input indicative of at least one of an operation of the seed-planting implement or a field condition of a field across which the seed-planting implement is being moved. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control an operation of the actuator in a manner that adjusts the penetration depth of the at least one closing disc based on the received input.

Abstract: Systems and method for controlling a vehicle are provided. In some aspects of the disclosure, a system includes a device interface configured to receive instructions from an external device, and a control interface configured to receive sensor signals from one or more vehicle sensors. The system also includes a controller module in communication with the device interface and control interface, wherein the controller module is configured to carry out steps for generating control signals based on the instructions received, and selectively directing the control signals or the sensor signals to at least one control unit on the vehicle.

Abstract: A machine for milling pavement such as a road planer or a rotary mixer includes a cutting rotor for penetrating and fracturing a work surface. To adjust the vertical elevation of the cutting rotor, the machine includes a rotor elevation mechanism. The machine may also include a rotor elevation control system that is programmed to lower the cutting rotor to initially contact the work surface. When the cutting rotor initially contacts the work surface, the touch point may be used as a reference to calibrate the rotor elevation mechanism prior to further lowering the cutting rotor into the work surface.

Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating a plurality of vehicle control elements, at least one control apparatus to alter a functionality of the vehicle control elements, each of the vehicle control elements adapted in use to control a valve in a hydraulic line, in which each vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be altered. This allows a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be changed.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling an operation of an actuator mounted on a seed planting implement may include an actuator configured to adjust a position of a row unit of the seed planting implement relative to a toolbar of the seed planting implement. The system may also include a flow restrictor fluidly coupled to a fluid chamber of the actuator, with the flow restrictor being configured to reduce a rate at which fluid is permitted to exit the fluid chamber in a manner that provides damping to the row unit. Furthermore, the system may include a valve fluidly coupled to the flow restrictor in a parallel relationship such that the valve is configured to permit the fluid exiting the fluid chamber to flow through the flow restrictor and the fluid entering the fluid chamber to bypass the flow restrictor.

Abstract: An excavator attachment is attached to a rotating platform of an excavator. A display unit visually displays a predicted stability indicating stability of the posture of the excavator after the excavator is manipulated.

Abstract: A mobile machine includes a frame, and a set of wheels supporting the frame. The mobile machine also includes a set of ground-engaging tools mounted to the frame that are movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging-tools with ground over which the mobile machine travels. A sensor senses the ground surface over which the mobile machine is traveling. The sensor can do this by sensing the position of a ground-following device having a proximal end coupled to the frame and a distal end configured to engage a surface of the ground and follow the surface of the ground as the mobile machine moves in a direction of travel, or by sensing the surface of the ground behind a surface cleaning device that exposes the surface of the ground to the sensor.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling hydraulic component of an agricultural implement towed by a work vehicle may include a vehicle-based valve assembly that selectively supplies hydraulic fluid to one or more supply lines of the implement. Specifically, a first supply line may be fluidly coupled to an implement-based valve assembly that regulates the supply of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic actuator through a first actuator line. A second supply line may be fluidly coupled to the first actuator line downstream of the implement-based valve assembly such that when a user provides a control input at a remote interface, the vehicle-based valve assembly may instead regulate the supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator. The supply of the hydraulic fluid through the supply lines may additionally be controlled by first and second override valves fluidly coupled to the first and second supply lines, respectively.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system 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 one aspect, a system for monitoring soil conditions within a field may include an implement configured to be traversed across a field. The implement may further include a plurality of ground engaging tools pivotally coupled to the frame and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor may be configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of one of the plurality of ground engaging tools. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor a displacement of each ground engaging tool and determine a current global ground engaging tool displacement parameter for the implement based on the monitored displacements of the plurality of ground engaging tools. Additionally, the controller may be configured to identify a soil condition for a swath of the field being traversed by the implement based on a comparison between the current global ground engaging tool displacement parameter and a predetermined global displacement threshold.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for planting seeds in a furrow includes an opening tool that cuts a furrow in the soil to be planted, and a gauge wheel that engages the soil to control elevation. A depth control actuator applies a controllable down force to the gauge wheel, and a sidewall compaction sensor extends into sidewalls of the furrow and produces a signal representing the compaction of the soil. A controller supplies the depth control actuator with a control signal representing a down pressure set point to form a furrow having a desired depth. The controller uses the signal representing the compaction of the soil in the sidewalls to determine whether the down pressure set point should be increased or decreased, and supplies the depth control actuator with a control signal when it is determined that the down pressure set point should be increased or decreased.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header carried by the chassis and including a cutter mechanism. The header is adjustable in a vertical direction. The agricultural vehicle also includes a header actuator connected to the header and configured to adjust the header in the vertical direction, and a controller coupled to the header actuator. The controller is configured for receiving an input command for controlling an operation of the header actuator to achieve a lifting height, operating the header actuator in conformance with the input command, and terminating the operating of the header actuator.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system 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: An agricultural tillage system including a carriage frame assembly, a plurality of tillage elements coupled to the carriage frame assembly, an actuator and a residue reactive system. The actuator is moveably coupled to the tillage elements, and is directly in control of a soil contact depth of the tillage elements. The residue reactive system is in controlling communication with the at least one actuator. The residue reactive system reduces the soil contact depth of the tillage elements when the residue mass on the soil is reduced and/or the slope of the soil is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include an implement having a plurality of ground-engaging tools supported by the frame, with the implement being configured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extending downwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbed floor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to the aft end of the frame. In addition, the system may include a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm that is configured to detect variations in a profile of the seedbed floor. Moreover, the system may include a seedbed surface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm that is configured to detect variations in a profile of the outer seedbed surface.

Abstract: An industrial machine and methods for providing automatic tilt control for the same. One method includes determining a current tooth vector of a tooth included on a bucket of the industrial machine and a current path vector of the tooth and determining a current digging angle between the current tooth vector and the current path vector. The method also includes determining a delta angle based on the current digging angle and a target angle and automatically adjusting a tilt of the bucket based on the delta angle.

Abstract: A ground height gauge assembly is provided. The ground height gauge assembly includes a shaft configured to be rotatably coupled to the header. The ground height gauge assembly includes a first arm coupled to the shaft and configured to simultaneously rotate with the shaft, the first arm defining a first length. The ground height gauge assembly includes a second arm pivotally coupled to the shaft and defining a second length, the second arm configured to be mounted in a first position and a second position. The second length of the second arm is dimensioned greater than the first length of the first arm. In the first position the second arm is configured to rotate independently of the first arm. In the second position the second arm is configured to be coupled to the first arm such that rotation of the first arm simultaneously rotates the second arm.

Abstract: A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering point cloud data obtained using a plurality of sensors generates data representative of a surface and for use with a specific type of sensor. The filtering allows certain machines and sensor types to be used to acquire point cloud data and different sensor types to be used during surface construction and modification. The method can be utilized with various types of machine controls and surface construction methods.

Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a main frame section, a left wing section, and a right wing section. Lift wheels and gauge wheels are actuated by hydraulic cylinders supplied by a hydraulic system. Solenoid valves connect groups of hydraulic cylinders to each other and to bypass circuits. The solenoid valves and the bypass circuits function to selectively allow coordinated control and individual control of the lift wheels and gauge wheels. The hydraulic system has at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner dividing hydraulic flow and pressure between at least one left hydraulic circuit and at least one right hydraulic circuit. The at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner functions to coordinate the motion of the left rear lift wheels and gauge wheels, and the right rear lift wheels and gauge wheels, and may be overridden by bypass valves.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A control sensor assembly for an agricultural harvester is provided. The control sensor assembly includes a linkage for connection to a header height control system, a bushing, a mount and a sensor mounted to the mount. The bushing includes a first end connected to the linkage and a second end housing a magnet. The mount includes a body having a through hole extending from a first surface to a second surface opposite the first surface for receiving the bushing and a first rotational stop about the first surface and adjacent the through hole. The sensor is spaced from the second end of the bushing. The control sensor assembly according to the subject application is designed to provide an improved mount for the control sensor assembly that utilizes a single mount to perform multiple functions.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system 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: An agricultural implement having agricultural implement for supporting a plurality of gangs of disk blades extending generally laterally relative to a forward travel direction. The implement has carrier frames pivotally connected to wheel assemblies for controlling the height of the carrier frames relative to the ground through hydraulic actuators acting on the wheel assemblies. A hydraulic control unit enables independent and individual control of each actuator through the use of three way valves that selectively connect or lock individual actuators.

Abstract: A tillage implement spanning a lateral distance relative to a forward direction and having a plurality of carrier frames, each for supporting a plurality of soil engaging tools. A pivoting wheel assembly positions the carrier frames at a variable distance from the soil and an actuator is connected between the carrier frame and each support wheel assembly to vary the height of the carrier frame. The actuator has a sensor for generating a signal reflecting the displacement of the actuator. The sensor element is mounted in an adjustable sensor support and countersunk by the required clearance between the sensor element and encoded information on the output shaft so that the sensor support may be adjusted to abut the shaft and accurately position the sensor element.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for supporting a plurality of gangs of disk blades extending generally laterally relative to a forward travel direction. The implement has carrier frames pivotally connected to wheel assemblies for controlling the height of the carrier frames relative to the ground through hydraulic actuators acting on the wheel assemblies. The hydraulic control unit enables independent and individual control of each actuator. An electronic control unit (ECU) receives displacement signals from the actuators and stores the signals when the agricultural implement is on a reference surface for synchronized set points. Thereafter any deviation from the synchronized set point is corrected.

Abstract: A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.

Abstract: A basic information calculator device calculates basic information for area limiting excavation control to control a construction machinery work device so that the construction machinery does not perform excavation beyond a target excavation surface.