Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for monitoring precipitation. An example rain gauge device for use in such monitoring generally includes a first basin including at least one outlet for forming and releasing droplets of moisture, and at least two electrical contacts disposed proximate to the at least one outlet. A closed circuit is formed between the at least two electrical contacts when a droplet of moisture, released by the at least one outlet, contacts the at least two electrical contacts. The rain gauge device then also includes a processor communicatively coupled to the at least two electrical contacts. The processor is configured to determine presence of a moisture event based on the closed circuit formed by the droplet and the at least two electrical contacts and, in response to the determination, transmit an indication of the moisture event to a computing device.

Abstract: Various apparatus and procedures for improved operation of a working vehicle are provided. One embodiment provides for identifying areas where the vehicle must decrease speed in order to avoid damage to the vehicle or implement. Another embodiment provides for calculating the radius of an upcoming curve and adjusting vehicle speed as needed to avoid damage to the vehicle, implement, objects, or the work area. Another embodiment provides for adapting turning speed while maintaining acceptable path error. Another embodiment provides a method for directing a vehicle to an evacuation location. Another embodiment provides a method for switching vehicle and implement control from cloud-based control algorithms to in-vehicle control algorithms in the event of an evacuation.

Abstract: Various apparatus and procedures for improved operation of a working vehicle are provided. One embodiment provides for vehicle-to-vehicle communications using cellular modems to provide information from one vehicle to another vehicle that has lost internet connectivity. Another embodiment provides a method for improving safety of a work area where an autonomous or remotely controlled vehicle is operating by scanning for unknown Bluetooth modules in the vicinity of a working vehicle. Another embodiment provides for intercepting and modifying signals from vehicle controls and passing the modified signals to a control unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for monitoring precipitation. An example rain gauge device for use in such monitoring generally includes a first basin including at least one outlet for forming and releasing droplets of moisture, and at least two electrical contacts disposed proximate to the at least one outlet. A closed circuit is formed between the at least two electrical contacts when a droplet of moisture, released by the at least one outlet, contacts the at least two electrical contacts. The rain gauge device then also includes a processor communicatively coupled to the at least two electrical contacts. The processor is configured to determine presence of a moisture event based on the closed circuit formed by the droplet and the at least two electrical contacts and, in response to the determination, transmit an indication of the moisture event to a computing device.

Abstract: Various apparatus and procedures for agricultural operations are provided. In particular, in one embodiment, methods for determining the precise location of each seed planted and using the seed planting location data to improve post-planting operations are provided. In another embodiment, apparatus and methods for determining the location of wet zones in an agricultural field and using the wet zone location data to plan an optimal path through the field to avoid wet areas are provided. In another embodiment, methods for tendering seed and chemical inputs for an agricultural operation are provided. In another embodiment, dynamic path planning methods of an autonomous agricultural vehicle are provided. In another embodiment, methods of planting end rows in an agricultural field are provided. In another embodiment, methods for planting multiple seed varieties in an agricultural field are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and remediating clogged gauge wheels, closing wheels, and seed tubes of an agricultural planter.

Abstract: The invention is a modular soft toy and method of using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to modular soft toys having one or more interchangeable units, such as faces and/or other features, where the toy has a recess with a lip for receiving, guiding and/or retaining at least one of the interchangeable units.