Abstract: A heading determination system comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU) coupled with at least two GNSS receivers, each receiver paired with and receiving signals from a corresponding GNSS antenna, wherein the GNSS antennas are separated by an ultra-short baseline. The heading determination system receives signals broadcast by a plurality of GNSS satellites and calculates the phase difference in the signal seen among the separate GNSS antennas. Using this phase difference information, derived from comparing the signals received from a plurality of GNSS satellites, along with attitude data generated by the IMU, the heading determination system calculates a highly-accurate heading solution. A method is provided for determining a heading of a system including an IMU coupled with at least two GNSS receivers, with each receiver being paired with and receiving signals from a corresponding GNSS antenna and the antennas being separated by an ultra-short baseline.

Abstract: A low-cost training and synthetic visualization system and method directed to improving an individual's airborne performance in general aviation, skydiving, and other aerial applications. The system is comprised of a self-contained mobile sensor and data storage device for recording the travel path, orientation, and forces acting upon an object as it moves through space, a desktop graphics software program for creating a playback of the recorded data on a three-dimensional representation of the environment through which the object moved, a means of linking the sensor and data storage device to the software program for the purpose of exchanging information, and a centralized data storage and retrieval system designed to accept, assimilate and redistribute the recorded data.

Abstract: A vehicle control system having a controller and a spatial database adapted to provide spatial data to the controller at control speed. The spatial data provided from the spatial database to the controller can be any kind of data or information that has some relationship or association with “real world” geographical location, or if it is stored somehow with reference to geographical location. The spatial data received by the controller from the database forms at least part of the control inputs that the controller operates on to control the vehicle. The fact that the controller operates directly on information that is inherently associated with “real world” geographic location represents a change in thinking compared with existing vehicle control systems. In particular, it means that the control system of the present invention “thinks” directly in terms of spatial location.

Abstract: A trailer includes a bed with a floor structure and a superstructure mounted on the bed. The superstructure includes a wall construction of wall sections with interconnected tongue-and-groove edges and wall section ends. Corner posts include channels receiving the wall section ends for forming corners of the superstructure. A top rail forms a rim of the superstructure and receives the top-most wall sections. A rub rail connects the walls to the floor structure and receives the bottom-most wall sections. A method of manufacturing a trailer includes the steps of providing a bed with a floor structure and forming a superstructure from wall sections by interconnecting their tongue-and-groove edges. The trailer can be configured for a moving floor, a tipping mechanism or an ejector mechanism for discharging and/or loading materials and cargo in an interior.

Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.

Abstract: A container packer system includes a transfer base, which receives a container packer adapted for movement longitudinally between retracted and extended positions with respect to the transfer base. The transfer base includes a power subsystem with a motor or engine driving an hydraulic pump for powering hydraulic piston-and-cylinder units of the system, including a container packer piston-and-cylinder unit for hydraulically extending and retracting the container packer. The container packer generally encloses an interior adapted for receiving bulk material for transfer to a transport container, which can comprise a standard shipping container, a trailer or some other bulk material receptacle. The container packer includes a push blade assembly longitudinally movably mounted in its interior and actuated by a push blade piston-and-cylinder unit.

Abstract: An adaptive guidance system for a vehicle includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning.

Abstract: A ride-on turf mowing machine rollover protection assembly consisting of a mower chassis having left: and right main rails and having a plurality of cross rails spanning between the left and right main rails; left and right upwardly opening quills; a first plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the left main rail and the left upwardly opening quill; a second plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the right main rail and the right upwardly opening quill; a roll bar having left and right legs, each leg having a lower end, the lower ends of the left and right legs being respectively closely fitted for nesting extension into the left and right upwardly opening quills; and a plurality of helically threaded bolt, nut, and double shear eye combinations removably mounting the lower ends of the left and right legs of the roll bar within the left and right upwardly opening quills.

Abstract: A crash-hardened memory device in which only a single electronic component, such as a memory chip, mounted on a small printed circuit board (PCB), is protected against an impact. The portion of the PCB containing the electronic component is wrapped in fire-retardant material and RF shielding tape. The wrapped PCB assembly is placed in a rigid, hardened enclosure which provides an environmental seal for the portion of the PCB containing the electronic component. A portion of the PCB extends outside of the enclosure to allow electrical connections to be made to the electronic component contained inside. A score line is created on the PCB to create an acceptable shear point between the internal and external portions of the PCB in the event of a crash. Threaded fasteners extend through and beyond both enclosure halves to provide a means for mounting the crash-hardened memory device on an external surface.

Abstract: An automated machine for making semi-frozen beverages includes a bowl system with a chamber and a dispensing assembly. A mixing system includes an auger rotatably received in said chamber and a dispensing assembly. A drive assembly includes a motor drivingly connected to a flexible drive belt connected to and adapted for driving the auger. A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator cylinder for receiving refrigerant from a compressor. The evaporator cylinder is located within the auger. A consistency control mechanism controls a valve for discontinuing the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator cylinder when the product reaches a desired consistency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system (10) operable to provide power and control through a rotating interface. The system (10) generally includes a control unit (12) and a distributor unit (14). The control unit (12) is operable to generate a power signal having a plurality of power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is operable to rotatably couple with the control unit (12), receive the power signal from the control unit (12), identify power transitions within the power signal, and generate a plurality of output signals corresponding to the identified power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is also at least substantially powered by the power signal to enable generation of the output signals.

Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A jig and bait fishing system is provided which includes various fanciful and realistic shapes for attracting and capturing fish. The system includes a body connected to a neck and a bait keeper; the neck being adapted for securing skirt material for avoiding underwater obstructions. The bait keeper secures bait and in particular internally reinforced artificial bait at the reinforced area in combination with the reinforcing material. The system also provides for a fishhook for capturing the fish and hooking the bait. The system includes a latch which prevents the fish from spitting-out the hook after capture. A method of manufacturing fishing jigs includes the steps of dipping rods into liquid plastic material and embedding reinforcing yarn filaments therein.

Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: An automatic steering system and method are provided for a vehicle including an hydraulic primary steering system. The automatic steering system includes a guidance module with a GPS receiver and a microprocessor adapted to process and store GPS data defining travel paths, which can be associated with a cultivated field in an agricultural vehicle application. An automatic steering module is connected to the guidance module and to a steering valve control block, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid in parallel with the vehicle's primary hydrostatic steering system. The automatic steering system utilizes a constant factor, such as steering rate, for predictability and simplicity in the operation of the automatic steering system. A feedback loop from the vehicle hydrostatic steering system uses the vehicle's actual turning rate for comparison with a desired turning rate.