Abstract: A system and method to guide an autonomous vehicle through an area along a path. The area has path markers that define a guidance row. The vehicle has a steering system controlling a steerable wheel to move the vehicle along the path, a control system transmitting steering instructions to the steering system, a guidance system having a data gathering device engaging the path markers and a guidance computer, connected to the control system having a guidance program that calculates the position of the guidance row, the position of the vehicle, the location where the vehicle should be to be on the path and the necessary steering instructions to get on or stay on the path. The path markers can be the trunk of a plant, a post or other upwardly extending member and the data gathering devices can be a LIDAR, radar, camera or other object identification system.

Abstract: An antenna mount for supporting an antenna on a support member in a manner which reduces the likelihood of the antenna, antenna mount and support member being damaged by an object making contact with the antenna. The antenna mount has a mounting plate connected to the antenna, a pivot mechanism connecting the mounting plate to the support member and a biasing mechanism interconnecting the pivot mechanism and an anchor associated with the support member. The pivot mechanism allows the antenna to move to a pivoted position in response to contact with an object. The biasing mechanism is configured to hold the antenna in a desired operating position during use and to move the antenna from its pivoted position back to the desired operating position after contact with an object. The antenna mount can be utilized with an upwardly extending tubular support member of a vehicle.

Abstract: A sliding bumper apparatus and system for use with a motor vehicle to prevent the vehicle from making contact with objects that can result in damage and/or injury. A frame of the apparatus attaches to the vehicle to extend outward from the vehicle. A pair of elongated indicator rods are slidably supported by the frame. Transversely positioned detector rods are pivotally connected to the distal end of the apparatus to contact objects in the path ahead of the moving vehicle. A switch at the proximal end of the apparatus is engaged by sliding movement of the indicator rods. A spring biases the switch to a closed position to allow movement of the vehicle. If the apparatus contacts an object that should not be hit by the vehicle, the impact force will overcome the spring and open the switch to stop the vehicle before it hits the object.