Abstract: A dual mode vehicle that operates on guided rails and roadways includes a capsule, a carriage, a front left drive system, a front right drive system, a rear left drive system, a rear right drive system, a pod control unit, and at least one battery. The carriage includes a spherical frame-housing and a base. A spherical cabin of the capsule is attitudinally mounted within the spherical frame-housing. The front left drive system, the front right drive system, the rear left drive system, and the rear right drive system each includes a motor, a drive axle, a road wheel, and a rail wheel. The road wheel and the rail wheel are axially mounted to the drive axle. The motor that is mounted to the base is operatively coupled with the drive axle through the at least one battery and the pod control unit to operate a roadway or railway transportation mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a steering control apparatus, a method therefor and a steering system, wherein, when a vehicle slips, the steering control apparatus increases traction by steering a road wheel to the left and right along a current steering direction. Particularly, the steering control apparatus comprises: a slip occurrence determination unit for determining whether or not the vehicle has slipped; a steering angle determination unit for, when it is determined that the vehicle has slipped, determining a current steering angle of a steering wheel as a reference steering angle; and a control unit for controlling a driving shaft so that the road wheel may be steered to the left and right within a first angle range on the basis of the reference steering angle.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for reducing cross-track error in harvesting row crops such as corn. A cross track error system including a corn head, a row unit disposed on the corn head. The row unit including a set of stripper plates, a resilient member disposed proximal to the stripper plates, a sensor unit in communication with the resilient member, and a processor. The processor is constructed and arranged to process signals generated by the sensor unit in response to deflection of the resilient member.

Abstract: A method for steering a vehicle that comprises a steering system with a steering wheel and a front axle as well as a rear axle with wheels, wherein it is provided that a direction of the vehicle is adjusted manually by a driver of the vehicle by adjustment of a steering wheel angle of the steering wheel, as a result of which, for the wheels of at least one of the axles, a steering angle is adjusted, which is obtained from the steering wheel angle plus a superposition angle, wherein, through an automatically adjustable steering ratio for the wheels of at least one of the axles, a ratio of the steering wheel angle to the steering angle for the wheels is set, wherein the vehicle travels into a curve on a circular path with a radius at a speed with a first value, wherein a steering wheel angle is adjusted by the driver.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a set of front wheels and a set of rear wheels that are independently steerable relative to one another. Distance sensors are mounted to the agricultural vehicle to sense a distance between the front wheels, and the adjacent row crops, and between the rear wheels, and the adjacent row crops. Automatic steering control signals are generated to automatically steer the front wheels, and rear wheels, based upon the sensed distances.

Abstract: The lawn mowing device comprises a mower and a controller. The lawn mowing device may be adapted to be operated by a user from a stationary position. Movements of the mower may be controlled from the stationary position using the controller. The mower may comprise a first engine for rotating a blade located under a deck of the mower and a second engine for propelling the mower forward. The controller may comprise a control bracket coupled to the top of the deck and a telescoping shaft that is coupled to the top of the control bracket via a universal joint. The user may control the movements of the mower by manipulating a distal end of the telescoping shaft.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring soil conditions within an agricultural field may include a furrow forming tool. The system may also include an acoustic sensor configured to detect a sound associated with movement of the furrow forming tool through the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor a soil condition associated with soil within the field based on acoustic data received from the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A harvesting device includes a support defining an uprooting position of the harvesting device, and an uprooting section comprising at least two uprooting units, each uprooting unit having at least one uprooting element, each uprooting unit being adapted to uproot root crop. At least one of the uprooting units is mobile with respect to the support between an active position and an inactive position, the active position being a position in which the uprooting unit is able to uproot beet crop in a field having a field surface when the harvesting device is in the uprooting position, the inactive position being a position in which the uprooting unit is unable to uproot beet crop in the field when the harvesting device is in the uprooting position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric power steering apparatus. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electric power steering apparatus including a three-channel torque sensor, a three-channel motor position sensor, and a single-wound BLAC motor, and an ECU configured to control steering.

Abstract: A feedback assembly for a harvester includes a chassis, at least one rod coupled to the chassis, and at least one tine rotatably coupled to the at least one rod. The at least one tine defines an elongated body including a linear section extending from the at least one rod, and an angled section extending at an angle from the linear section. The at least one tine configured to hang substantially perpendicularly relative to a direction of travel of the harvester when in a non-actuated position and configured to rotate away from the direction of travel of the harvester when in an actuated position.

Abstract: A steering system and method is described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels, and a steering input device for receiving manual steering input. Front and rear hydraulic steering devices may be coupled, respectively, to the front and rear wheels. Front and rear valve assemblies may be configured, respectively, to steer the front and rear wheels. In a manual steering mode, the front valve assembly may be disabled with respect to the front steering device, and the front hydraulic steering device may steer the front wheels based upon the manual steering input. In a rear steering assist mode, a rear steering command may be determined based upon the manual steering input, and the rear wheels steered based upon the rear steering command. In an automated steering mode, the front and rear wheels may be automatically steered based upon a target path of travel for the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for an agricultural vehicle having steerable wheels of a first wheel set, first and second steerable wheels of a second wheel set, and a steering input device configured to receive a manual steering input for the wheels of the first wheel set. The steering system includes first and second hydraulic steering devices coupled to the first and second steerable wheels of the second wheel set; a valve assembly configured to hydraulically control the hydraulic steering devices to steer the wheels of the second wheel set; and a controller configured to determine steering commands and provide the steering commands to the valve assembly. In a rear stability mode, the valve assembly is configured to selectively dampen fluid flow between the first and second hydraulic steering devices.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a set of front wheels and a set of rear wheels that are independently steerable relative to one another. Distance sensors are mounted to the agricultural vehicle to sense a distance between the front wheels, and the adjacent row crops, and between the rear wheels, and the adjacent row crops. Automatic steering control signals are generated to automatically steer the front wheels, and rear wheels, based upon the sensed distances.

Abstract: A steering system and method for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels has rear hydraulic steering device that may be coupled to one or more of the rear wheels. A rear valve assembly may hydraulically control the rear hydraulic steering device to steer the rear wheels based upon a rear steering command from a controller. In a manual steering mode, the controller does not determine a rear steering command for the rear valve assembly such that the rear wheels are freely rotatable. In a rear steering assist mode, the controller determines the rear steering command based upon, at least in part, the manual steering input.

Abstract: A steering system and method is described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels, and a steering input device for receiving manual steering input. Front and rear hydraulic steering devices may be coupled, respectively, to the front and rear wheels. Front and rear valve assemblies may be configured, respectively, to steer the front and rear wheels. In a manual steering mode, the front valve assembly may be disabled with respect to the front steering device, and the front hydraulic steering device may steer the front wheels based upon the manual steering input. In a rear steering assist mode, a rear steering command may be determined based upon the manual steering input, and the rear wheels steered based upon the rear steering command. In an automated steering mode, the front and rear wheels may be automatically steered based upon a target path of travel for the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels. A rear hydraulic steering device may be coupled to one or more of the rear wheels. A rear valve assembly may hydraulically control the rear hydraulic steering device to steer the rear wheels based upon a rear steering command. In a rear steering assist mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a manual steering input received at a steering input device. In an automated steering mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a target path of the agricultural vehicle that is determined independently of the manual steering input.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a baler for picking up and compressing crop from a crop swath in a field and a tow tractor. The baler is towed by the tow tractor via a draft hitch arrangement, which draft hitch arrangement allows a baler pickup track to be laterally offset from the tractor driving track with respect to the tractor driving direction. During baling, the baler pickup track is aligned to the crop swath for picking up crop and the tractor driving track is laterally spaced from the crop swath with respect to the tractor driving direction. A steering system autonomously aligns the baler pickup track onto the crop swath.

Abstract: A device comprises a monitoring unit configured to automatically monitor the actuation of a manual control member suitable for controlling an aircraft on the ground, so as to be able to detect a releasing of the control member in a neutral position. A computation unit is configured to compute a virtual axis for guiding the aircraft on the ground, upon the detection of the releasing of the control member in the neutral position. A guiding unit is configured to automatically guide the aircraft along said virtual axis.

Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels. A rear hydraulic steering device may be coupled to one or more of the rear wheels. A rear valve assembly may hydraulically control the rear hydraulic steering device to steer the rear wheels based upon a rear steering command. In a rear steering assist mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a manual steering input received at a steering input device. In an automated steering mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a target path of the agricultural vehicle that is determined independently of the manual steering input.

Abstract: An auxiliary element is incorporated into a steering apparatus and that, in addition to the steering circuit, a further steering circuit is provided on the same axle. A movement is forced upon the auxiliary element by a further kinematic coupling, such that the movement is additionally transmitted to the opposite wheel by the auxiliary element. The transmission increases boost to the steering force.

Abstract: A portable device and a method for the decorative design of fields and grass surfaces with graphics, texts, logos, reliefs, engraved designs, or patterns is presented. The device is so conceived that at least one guiding element with at least one treatment actuator for applying a design to a surface is guided in a circular motion around a reference point by a drive unit. A circular treatment area results from this rotational movement. Within this treatment area, each point can be reached by the treatment actuator (realized e.g. as a spraying device having at least one nozzle) for the application of the design. The control mechanism of the device ensures that the treatment actuator undertakes the application of the design to the surface either while passing over the point to be treated or after positioning is complete. A template in digitalized form may serve as a basis for the treatment of the surface to which decoration is to be applied.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a steering mechanism comprising a outer hitch, a main carriage connected to the outer hitch by a first pivoting connection, a steering system disposed on the main carriage and an endless track assembly connected to the main carriage by a second pivoting connection and to the steering system by a third pivoting connection. The pivoting connections enable the tracks to be actively steered and remain parallel to the surface over which the implement travels.

Abstract: Automated transport system including at least one automotive vehicle (10) without a driver and one central computer (14), the vehicle being able to go automatically from a departure point to a destination point using signals transmitted by the central computer and following a rail (12) integrated in the pavement. The rail is a rubber strip or equivalent mounted on the pavement having continuous optical characteristics and having chip contactless devices or transponders (20) at regular spacing. Each vehicle is equipped with localization and detection means (18) adapted to identify the strip's optical characteristics in order to follow the strip during its motion and to detect localization signals received from the transponders reacting to the radio frequency signals in order to localize the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated stringline installation system includes a vehicle, a 3D control system, at least partly carried by the vehicle, for determining location information, and an adjustable arm assembly, mounted on the vehicle, that identifies the location of a relative point in a stringline installation using the location information determined by the 3D control system. The adjustable arm assembly includes an operational arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a string, dispensed from the operational arm, for use in a stringline installation, and a sensor used to determine information pertaining to the location of the distal end of the operational arm assembly relative to the proximal end of the operational arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: The guidance system comprises two guidance devices (16) mounted in opposite directions either side of the axle (2) and each comprising: a guidance arm (17) terminated by at least one guidance roller (18); a set of articulated connecting rods serving as a deformable link interface (23) between the axle and the guidance arm; and a jack (29) with two independent and opposing rods (30, 31), having a “rods extended” position in which its two rods lock the set of connecting rods to render it rigid and orient the axle, and a “rods retracted” position in which the set of connecting rods is free and allows a lateral oscillation. Preferably, the jack (29) offers an additional function for damping the lateral oscillation. This invention is of interest in the field of the guidance of public transport road vehicles by a rail.

Abstract: A method for dividing a field into zones with similar crop attributes and developing a mission plan for steering the harvester to selectively harvest crops based on one or more of the attributes. The attributes include protein level, starch level, oil level, sugar content, moisture level, digestible nutrient level, or any other crop characteristic of interest. The method can be applied to selectively harvest and/or segregate according to attribute any crop, including grains such as wheat, corn, or beans, fruits such as grapes, and forage crops. Directed crop sampling provides absolute value and variance information for segregated batches of harvested crop.

Abstract: An adaptive control VGR steering system that varies the steering gear ratio between a vehicle hand-wheel angle and the road wheel angle based on vehicle speed and one or more of hand-wheel angle, driver attentiveness and a driver's driving style and skill.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically determining the steering system calibration of a vehicle in accordance with vehicle loading. The apparatus comprises a combination of a load monitor and a steering controller. The load monitor senses the actual loading of the vehicle and provides a corresponding feedback signal to the steering controller. The steering controller determines a steering calibration appropriate for the load represented by the feedback signal. As a result, the handling performance of the vehicle can be improved over that of a single, fixed steering calibration for a wide range of load conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing automatic vehicle control with parameter-driven disengagement. In one embodiment, a course for a vehicle is determined along which the vehicle is to be automatically guided. An indication is received that a pre-defined parameter has been exceeded In response to receiving the indication, the generation of vehicle control commands is then suspended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for active radial control of the wheels (11, 53, 103, 108, 115) of at last one wheel unit (8, 9, 10, 51, 52) on a chassis, in particular a bogie on a tracked vehicle, whereby control movements are applied to the wheel unit (8, 9, 10, 51, 52) and an integrated regulation with control movements in at least two non-identical frequency ranges are carried out. First control movements in a first frequency range and second control movements in a second frequency range, different form the first frequency range are superimposed and applied to the wheel unit (8, 9, 10, 51, 52). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a method for ensuring safe tire emergency running operation in a motor vehicle that is equipped with tires that have emergency running properties when the tire pressure is greatly reduced or absent altogether, a device is provided for detecting an emergency running mode of the motor vehicle. The device for limiting the driving speed limits the driving speed of the motor vehicle whenever emergency running is detected.

Abstract: A rotary paddle sensor for detecting a substance. A paddle or paddles are mounted on a rotating shaft coupled to a motion of the shaft by a slip clutch mechanism. The sensor detects movement of the paddle. If a substance impedes the movement of the paddle, the sensor detects this occurrence. The sensor can be used for many different applications, such as to detect the level of material in a bin, to determine the distance to a wall, to determine the height from the ground, to detect the boundary between two surfaces such as mowed or unmowed vegetation, or to detect the vegetation in a row.

Abstract: Steering angle is determined by the combined use of a potentiometer and a rotary encoder, and the correction of the error in the determination of the steering angle based on the time-dependent change of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a steering wheel angle calibration reference value in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a relative steering wheel angle sensor, which is unique in that it receives power directly from the vehicle's battery and interacts with the vehicle's car area network. The vehicle also includes an active yaw controller that interacts with the vehicle's car area network. The steering wheel angle calibration reference value only needs to be updated when power to the relative steering wheel angle sensor has been interrupted.

Abstract: A lane-keep control system for a host-vehicle is arranged to detect a traveling condition of the host-vehicle, to detect a tendency of a lane deviation of the host-vehicle on the basis of the traveling condition, to calculate a driving/braking force controlled variable of each wheel according to the traveling condition so as to generate a yawing moment directed toward a direction of preventing the lane deviation when the tendency of the lane deviation is detected, to control a driving/braking force according to the driving/braking force controlled variable, to detect a steering state quantity indicative of a quantity of state of a steering wheel, and to correct the driving/braking force controlled variable on the basis of the steering state quantity.

Abstract: A locating system and method for determining the location of an article relative to a crop row. The system comprises a plurality of marker means substantially linearly disposed at intervals substantially parallel to the crop row. A sensor means is provided to generate a sensor signal indicative of the location of the sensor means and hence the article in relation to the crop row.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering arrangement with a steering handwheel which is connected with a hydraulic steering unit, and with a steering motor connected with a pump via a steering valve. In a steering arrangement of this kind, a simple construction is desired, though under maintenance of the required security. For this purpose, the steering valve can optionally be operated by a steering handwheel or by a hydraulic pressure generated by a control pressure generator.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steerable wheel 1 capable of being steered, a steering wheel 20, and an electrical actuator 3 for altering the steering angle of the steerable wheel. The electrical actuator 3 has three electric motors 31, 32, 33 which act in parallel and three controllers 61, 62, 63 which operate in parallel, each forming part of an electrical control channel for the steering angle. The controller of each electrical channel receives one of the three electrical signals in the control channels and is connected to one of the position sensors and drives one of the electric motors in order to set the said steering angle. The torques delivered by the respective motors are added together in normal operation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first actuating system having an automatic steering actuator to bring the front wheel steer angle to a calculated target front wheel steer angle for lane keeping, and a second actuating system such as a front and rear roll stiffness distribution control system, a front and rear driving force distribution control system, a rear wheel steering system, and a differential limiting force control system. By controlling the second actuating system in accordance with the automatic steering operation, a control unit adjusts the steering characteristic of the vehicle in a direction to improve the yawing response or in a direction to improve the running stability.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing plugging of a no-till seeder with crop residue by guiding the furrow openers of the seeder between the standing stubble rows of the previous crop. A guidance system is provided comprising sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to the standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of the seeder in response to the steering signals. The sensing means can sense the location of the standing stubble rows by contact therewith or by sensing the furrow from which the standing stubble rows extend. The position of the seeder relative to the towing vehicle is adjusted in response to steering signals sent by the sensing means.

Abstract: A steering apparatus is provided for use on a transit vehicle (10) which includes separate steerable drive tires (45, 50) intended to follow the contour of a guide rail (20). An adjustable linkage (80) transmits the motion of a guide frame (65) following a guide rail (20) to the steerable drive tires (45, 50) and positions the linkage (80) to provide the proper slip angle to the steerable drive tires (45, 50).

Abstract: A conveyor conveys palletized articles to a loading dock. A bogie movable along rails between different loading docks, supports an independently movable carriage, which may roll out of the bogie once the latter reaches a desired loading dock. The carriage then loads with a forklift provided on the carriage, the articles from the conveyor into a semi-trailer located at the loading dock. The carriage is provided with a linkage pivotally installed on its main frame, the linkage carrying four lateral guide wheels which protrude laterally beyond all other structural elements of the carriage. The linkage integrally links the guide wheels into a common pivotal displacement, with the guide wheels remaining symmetrically disposed relative to the carriage frame. A hydraulic piston biases the guide wheels towards an outer limit position at all times, and the guide wheels are forcibly pivotable, against the bias of the piston, towards an inner limit position.

Abstract: A guideway transit system which can reduce a scale of an infrastructure while maintaining ride comfort for passengers of a vehicle is provided. The guideway transit system includes a noncontact vehicle guiding system and a contact vehicle guiding system. The noncontact vehicle guiding system detects information relating to a lateral position of a vehicle on a road and steers the vehicle to move along a predetermined path on the road based on the detected information. The contact vehicle guiding system which restricts a lateral position of the vehicle by a contact between a guide wheel which laterally projects from the vehicle and a guide wall provided on a side of the road. The guideway transit system further includes a controller which prohibits steering of the vehicle by the noncontact vehicle guiding system when a lateral position of the vehicle is restricted by the contact vehicle guiding system. An automated vehicle which is used in the guideway transit system is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic steering device for a vehicle is provided to prevent an automatically steered vehicle from going out of its predetermined locus of movement as a result of an abnormal output of a movement distance detecting device. An actuator control device controls a steering actuator based upon the distance of movement detected by the movement distance detecting device and upon a locus of movement of the vehicle stored in a storage device. A judging device compares a vehicle speed estimated by a vehicle speed estimating device with an actual vehicle speed calculated by an actual vehicle speed detecting device from the distance of movement based upon the operating condition (shift range, accelerator opening degree and brake operating amount) of the vehicle detected by an operating condition detecting device.

Abstract: A system for controlling behavior of a vehicle having a laser radar for detecting an obstacle present on a road on which the vehicle is traveling and operating the brake automatically to avoid contact with the obstacle, and having a power-assist steering actuator including an electric motor installed in the steering system. In the system, it is determined whether the vehicle is steered by the steering wheel as manipulated by the vehicle operator or the vehicle is steered by a force generated by the interplay between the tire and road due to the automatic braking and, when vehicle is steered by the force generated by the tire/road interplay, the electric motor of the steering actuator is controlled to drive in the direction to cancel the force, thereby preventing the vehicle behavior from degrading to deviate from the desired course of travel and preventing various disadvantages such as failure to achieve the desired obstacle detection necessary for an effective obstacle avoidance control.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with an automatic steering mechanism consists of a self-propelled machine with a cutterbar mounted in the driving direction. The harvesting machine also has generally-known locating devices to scan the crop edge, in particular, the border between the mowed and unmowed crops. The location devices produce signals that are processed by a controller and, via devices well-known in the art, are utilized by the automatic steering mechanism. The crop edge is scanned in at least two variable distances in front of the cutterbar. The controller processes at least two locating signals received in variable scanning distances in front of the cutterbar. The locating signals are used by devices well-known in the art for the automatic steering mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding a personnel carrying vehicle including a body with a pair of driven rear wheels and a pair of front caster wheels into a narrow aisle. A pair of guide rollers are mounted on each side of the vehicle and spaced between the front caster wheels and the driven rear wheels. A steering rail extends between the pair of guide rollers on each side of the vehicle and is curved inwardly towards the body. A guide rail is placed on each side of the narrow aisle for engaging the vehicle mounted rollers with the guide rails terminating in entry ends which engage the steering rails for entry of the vehicle into the narrow aisle. The vehicle is steered forward toward an aisle entrance to cause one of the forward guide rollers to engage one of the guide rails and one of the aisle entry ends to engage one of the steering rails. Continuing forward movement of the vehicle causes the vehicle to rotate about the engaged aisle entry end to align the vehicle within the aisle.

Abstract: A device for guiding farm equipment is disclosed. This device includes two trench forming chisel type devices attached to the planter or the initial implement used to set up the rows in a row type crop. These trenches are formed generally spaced to match the front wheels of the tractor on its next trip down the field. The tractor is subsequently supplied with a front mounted framework fastened to the front axle of the tractor. This framework supports two trench following lenticular discs capable of supporting a substantial amount of the tractors front weight. These discs may further be formed with a central rib. These trenches may be used in subsequent operations with implements of a smaller size by making the framework adjustable so as to allow the trench following discs to be placed at different widths as well as supplying structure for raising and lowering each guide independently.

Abstract: An automatic-steering apparatus for an agricultural machine (1), has at least one locating apparatus (OV), particularly an apparatus that locates the edge of the crop or row, whose locating signal (OS) is compared, as an analog voltage value (nominal value), to a wheel-angle signal (RWS), as a further analog voltage value (actual value), that has been received by a wheel-position sensor (RSS) on a steerable wheel (HR) of the agricultural machine (1), in an analog regulating apparatus (ST). The regulating apparatus (ST) emits, as a function of the difference between the nominal and actual values, at least one steering-hydraulics control signal (SHL, SHR; LIS) to an electrically-controlled steering hydraulics (LH) having a steering cylinder (LZ) that is connected to steerable wheels (HR) of the agricultural machine (1) so as to steer them.