Abstract: An ablative thruster includes a nozzle configured to control a flow of thrust from the satellite. The ablative thruster also includes an ablative surface inside of the nozzle, configured to deflect the thrust at a predefined angle. The ablative surface is configured to ablate-away, leaving un-deflected thrust for a majority of the burn.

Abstract: A data recovery device configured to store data onboard a hypersonic vehicle travelling at hypersonic speeds. The data recovery device is released from the hypersonic vehicle upon a release command or an anomalous event. Upon release, the data recovery device is configured to receive Global Positioning System (GPS) position data and configured to broadcast the GPS position data in short bursts during decent to a surface of the Earth and upon impact with the surface of the Earth to aid in recovery of the data recovery device.

Abstract: A data recovery device configured to store data onboard a hypersonic vehicle travelling at hypersonic speeds. The data recovery device is released from the hypersonic vehicle upon a release command or an anomalous event. Upon release, the data recovery device is configured to receive Global Positioning System (GPS) position data and configured to broadcast the GPS position data in short bursts during decent to a surface of the Earth and upon impact with the surface of the Earth to aid in recovery of the data recovery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling an agricultural vehicle. In one embodiment the system comprises a vehicle guidance system for determining a course correction for the agricultural vehicle based upon position data received from a position determining component. The system further comprises a steering controller coupled with the vehicle guidance system and comprising an electric steering output and a hydraulic steering output. The steering controller is for generating a steering command based upon the course correction determined by the vehicle guidance system. The steering controller is further for automatically determining whether it is coupled with either of a steering component or a hydraulic steering component which is coupled with the steering mechanism of the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling an agricultural vehicle. In one embodiment the system comprises a vehicle guidance system for determining a course correction for the agricultural vehicle based upon position data received from a position determining component. The system further comprises a steering controller coupled with the vehicle guidance system and comprising an electric steering output and a hydraulic steering output. The steering controller is for generating a steering command based upon the course correction determined by the vehicle guidance system. The steering controller is further for automatically determining whether it is coupled with either of a steering component or a hydraulic steering component which is coupled with the steering mechanism of the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor cleaning tool. In one embodiment the floor cleaning tool comprises a backing and a handle. The backing comprises a first surface and a second surface. The handle is attached to the second surface of the backing apparatus. The backing has a generally triangular perimeter having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A portion of the first edge is curved and a portion of the second edge is curved. The first edge and second edge meet at a leading point. The third edge is concave. The floor cleaning tool is capable of supporting a wipe.

Abstract: A system for controlling a mobile machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an integrated guidance system coupled with a steering component. The integrated guidance system comprises a position determining system for determining the geographic position of the mobile machine. A guidance system coupled with the position determining system is for determining a deviation of the mobile machine from a desired direction. The integrated guidance system also comprises a display coupled with the guidance system for visually indicating a deviation from a desired direction and a steering interface for controlling the steering component. The steering component automatically controls the steering mechanism of the mobile machine in response to a steering command generated by the steering interface. In embodiments of the present invention, the position determining system, the guidance system, the display, and the steering interface are disposed within a housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling a mobile machine. In one embodiment the system comprises a position determining component for determining the geographic position of the mobile machine. The system further comprises a steering component for controlling the steering mechanism of the mobile machine in response to a message. The system further comprises a control component coupled with the position determining component and with the steering component. The control component generates a message to the steering component in response to receiving position data from the position determining component.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and tangible medium using GPS for guiding a farm implement along a turn path between swaths. The apparatus includes a GPS receiver and a turn computer. The turn computer calculates or stores a turn path between swaths, calibrates GPS positions to a swath end position and uses the calibrated GPS positions to guide the implement along the turn path to the start of the next swath. A steering wheel autopilot may be included to steer a powered vehicle according to a cross track error between the calibrated GPS positions and the turn path.

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 steering commands is then suspended. Furthermore, the generation of steering commands is suspended until an engagement signal is received.

Abstract: A cleaning tool assembly is disclosed for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The cleaning tool assembly includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning pad. The cleaning tool includes a handle and a head having a plate and a support pad. The plate includes a first side connected to the handle, a second side opposite the first side, and a perimeter. The support pad includes a first side connected to the second side of the plate, a second side, and a perimeter extending beyond the perimeter of the plate. The support pad is a compliant, closed-cell foam.

Abstract: A cleaning tool assembly and method of use are disclosed for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The cleaning tool assembly includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning pad that combine to define at least three distinct cleaning surfaces. The cleaning tool includes a handle connected to a head assembly that otherwise maintains the cleaning pad and provides a cleaning implement and a compliant cleaning edge surface. In one embodiment, the handle is expandable. In another embodiment, the cleaning pad includes a dry bleach composition.

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: A method and system for controlling steering dead band in a mobile machine is described. The method includes measuring the dead band, storing a value corresponding to thereto, and applying the dead band value to a controller of a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is thus controlled according to the dead band value to compensate for the dead band.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling a mobile machine. In one embodiment the system comprises a position determining component for determining the geographic position of the mobile machine. The system further comprises a steering component for controlling the steering mechanism of the mobile machine in response to a message. The system further comprises a control component coupled with the position determining component and with the steering component. The control component generates a message to the steering component in response to receiving position data from the position determining component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for controlling steering dead band in a mobile machine. In one embodiment, a first dead band value for actuating said steering mechanism in a first direction is determined. Then, a second dead band value for actuating said steering mechanism in a second direction is determined. The first dead band value and said second dead band value are then stored as discrete values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a motor assembly comprising a lower motor mount and an upper motor mount. The lower motor mount is mechanically coupled with a steering column of a mobile machine. The upper motor mount is coupled with the lower motor mount and with a drive motor. The upper motor mount maintains pressure when in a first position such that a drive wheel coupled with the drive motor stays in contact with a steering wheel of a vehicle of a mobile machine. When the upper motor mount is locked in a second position, the drive wheel is kept away from the steering wheel of the mobile machine.

Abstract: A system for controlling a mobile machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an integrated guidance system coupled with a steering component. The integrated guidance system comprises a position determining system for determining the geographic position of the mobile machine. A guidance system coupled with the position determining system is for determining a deviation of the mobile machine from a desired direction. The integrated guidance system also comprises a display coupled with the guidance system for visually indicating a deviation from a desired direction and a steering interface for controlling the steering component. The steering component automatically controls the steering mechanism of the mobile machine in response to a steering command generated by the steering interface. In embodiments of the present invention, the position determining system, the guidance system, the display, and the steering interface are disposed within a housing.

Abstract: A spool (12), for supporting a fiber optic coil (14) and a shield (118) surrounding the spool and fiber optic coil, includes a centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening (29). The shield includes a lower shield portion (20), which supports the spool and the fiber optic coil, and an upper shield portion (118). The upper and lower shield portions are arranged to interfit with each other at an interface (121). The upper shield portion has a centrally placed fastener-receiving opening (124) which is alignable with the centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening of the spool. A bolt (156) has a head (156a), a shank (156b) and a threaded end (156c, 156d). The bolt head is engageable with the spool through intermediary structure (48). The shank is insertable through the centrally placed, bolt-receiving opening (29) and the lower shield opening (26), for radially centering the assembly and its components. The threaded end is disposed to engage a threaded opening (68) in a gyroscope assembly support (66).

Abstract: A GPS weather data recording system for use with the dispensing of chemicals to agriculture fields. A GPS receiver is used to determine a series of positions of a vehicle and the velocity of the vehicle as the vehicle traverses an agricultural field. The series of positions and velocity trace the vehicle's ground track across the agricultural field. A wind sensor is used to measure wind velocity with respect to the vehicle. A data storage system is used for storing data measurements, such as the series of positions from the GPS receiver and a series of corresponding wind measurements from the wind sensor. A computer system is coupled to the data storage system. The computer system receives the series of vehicle positions and velocity from the GPS receiver and receives wind velocity measurements from the wind sensor.