Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting functionality of a vehicle are described. In one example, vehicle feature modules may specify vehicle behaviors and vehicle operation is limited according to the specified behaviors. Vehicle actuators may be adjusted to limit vehicle operation according to the specified vehicle behaviors. The vehicle behaviors may apply to powertrain systems, navigation systems, climate control systems, lighting systems and other vehicle systems.

Abstract: A conduit for an agricultural system includes a first end configured to couple to a metering system, a second end configured to couple to a pipe, one or more bellows disposed adjacent to the second end and configured to enable the conduit to flex adjacent to the second end, and a substantially rigid portion extending generally longitudinally from the first end to the one or more bellows, where the substantially rigid portion substantially rigidly supports the conduit between the first end and the one or more bellows.

Abstract: A conduit for an agricultural system includes a first end configured to couple to a metering system, a second end configured to couple to a pipe, one or more bellows disposed adjacent to the second end and configured to enable the conduit to flex adjacent to the second end, and a substantially rigid portion extending generally longitudinally from the first end to the one or more bellows, where the substantially rigid portion substantially rigidly supports the conduit between the first end and the one or more bellows.

Abstract: A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

Abstract: A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

Abstract: A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

Abstract: A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides instrumentation for the Raman spectroscopy analysis of seeds or grains, which can be used to determine the composition of the seed, such as its protein and oil content. In some examples the instrumentation includes an illumination device that emits light in the near infrared range, a sample holder to hold the seeds, and a collection device (e.g., Raman spectrograph) that captures the lights emitted by the seeds. Methods of determining the composition of seeds, such as soybeans, using Raman spectroscopy, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating steering, height adjustment and transport of a farm implement towed by a vehicle. The implement includes a main frame and a hitch that extends from the frame for linking to the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a wheel support member supported below the frame, at least a first ground engaging wheel supported by the wheel support member for rotation about a first wheel axis and to engage a ground surface below the frame thereby supporting the frame above the ground, a first hydraulic lift cylinder linked between the frame and the wheel support member and controllable to adjust the height of the frame above the ground, and a hydraulic steering cylinder mounted to the wheel support member and controllable to steer the first wheel independent of the state of the first lift cylinder.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating steering, height adjustment and transport of a farm implement towed by a vehicle. The implement includes a main frame and a hitch that extends from the frame for linking to the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a wheel support member supported below the frame, at least a first ground engaging wheel supported by the wheel support member for rotation about a first wheel axis and to engage a ground surface below the frame thereby supporting the frame above the ground, a first hydraulic lift cylinder linked between the frame and the wheel support member and controllable to adjust the height of the frame above the ground, and a hydraulic steering cylinder mounted to the wheel support member and controllable to steer the first wheel independent of the state of the first lift cylinder.

Abstract: A new approach to tracking head motion for headphone-based sound is described. Called MTB2.0 for “Motion-Tracked Binaural with 2 Channels”, the method may be used for any 2-channel binaural signals without any increase in the bandwidth requirement. MTB2.0 provides a simple and effective means to improve the quality of headphone-based sound reproduction by sensing the orientation of the listener's head and using the sensed orientation to appropriately modify the signals sent to the two ears. MTB2.0 method increases the realism and removes some of the shortcomings of binaural sound capture and recording, as well as improves the quality of binaural rendering of stereo.

Abstract: A new approach to capturing and reproducing either live or recorded three-dimensional sound is described. Called MTB for “Motion-Tracked Binaural,” the method employs several microphones, a head tracker, and special signal-processing procedures to combine the signals picked up by the microphones. MTB achieves a high degree of realism by effectively placing the listener's ears in the space where the sounds are occurring, moving the virtual ears in synchrony with the listener's head motions. MTB also provides a universal format for recording spatial sound.

Abstract: A new approach to capturing and reproducing either live or recorded three-dimensional sound is described. Called MTB2.5 for “Motion-Tracked Binaural 2.5,” the method employs six real or simulated microphones, a head tracker, and special signal-processing procedures to combine the signals picked up by the microphones. In the microphone array, two central microphones are placed at the positions of the ears of a listener facing forward, and four peripheral microphones are located in pairs on either side of the central microphones. Only the low-frequency components of the four peripheral microphone signals are needed, and the total bandwidth required is approximately 2.5 times the bandwidth of one full-bandwidth audio channel. MTB2.5 achieves a high degree of realism by effectively placing the listener's ears in the space where the sounds are occurring, moving the virtual ears in synchrony with the listener's head motions. MTB2.5 also provides a universal format for recording spatial sound.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided to secure a multi-stage folding boom assembly having left and right booms, each boom having an middle section that pivots about a vertical axis with respect to an inner section, an outer section that pivots about a second vertical axis with respect to the middle section. The lock assembly includes a first interlock portion that receives a second interlock portion when the first section pivots laterally inward about the first vertical axis with respect to the second section to a first stage folded position. As the middle section pivots forward and laterally inward toward a second stage folded position with respect to the third section, the first interlock portion slidably moves and interlocks with the second interlock portion to restrain the outer section from falling out of alignment with respect to the middle section.

Abstract: A lock assembly operable to secure a lift linkage associated with moving a boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position is provided. The lock assembly includes a lock pin mounted at a carrying frame interconnected between a lift linkage and the boom assembly. The lock assembly also includes a lock plate mounted at the lift linkage. In the raised position of the lift linkage, the lock plate includes a slot configured to align so as receive the lock pin. Once aligned, the boom is pivoted toward the folded, stowed position. As the boom pivots, the boom pushes the lock pin through the slot. The lift linkage is then lowered to seat the lock pin in the slot and thereby secure the lift linkage and supported boom in the raised, folded position.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an individual in installing shoe coverings. The apparatus comprises a shoe covering casing and an outer casing in which the shoe covering casing is placed. A plurality of shoe coverings are placed within the shoe covering casing and are mounted so that an individual merely needs to place their foot down into the shoe covering casing and move their foot forward, causing a shoe covering to envelop the foot (preferably with a shoe on it). A mounting mechanism within the shoe covering casing continually sets the top shoe covering on the stack of shoe coverings into a position readily capable of accepting shoes so that the shoe coverings can easily envelop these shoes.