Abstract: A system and method for dispersing fluids from an agricultural vehicle includes a sprayer that dispenses the fluids and a controller cooperative with a plurality of sensors to sense vehicle travel speed, vehicle travel direction, wind speed, wind direction, and the heights of first and second nozzles from the ground surface. The controller includes a memory storing a look-up table having fan angles of the first and second nozzles, and a processor that computes first and second spray pattern on the ground surface based on the fluid dispensed through the respective first and second nozzles. The processor determines an overlap region between the first and second spray patterns, compares the determined overlap region with a pre-determined overlap, and takes corrective action automatically by changing travel speed of the vehicle or changing a duration of time the fluids are dispensed from the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: An example machinery includes an automated crop management motorized vehicle having an intelligent, modularized image sensor (e.g. camera or video) system that is portable to other crop management vehicles such as a combine, planter or a tillage machine. The image sensor system includes a framework having a bank of procedures for monitoring and control of navigation, spray application, weeding, seeding, machine configuration, in real time as the machines go through a crop field throughout a crop cycle. One example implementation includes electronic circuits, with more than one set mounted on a platform that facilitates moving the setup to other agricultural machines. The framework captures, preserves and corrects the captured images for real time analysis and response, and for spray management to improve crop yield that is correlated with the machine settings and crop management practices.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersing fluids from an agricultural vehicle includes a sprayer that dispenses the fluids and a controller cooperative with a plurality of sensors to sense vehicle travel speed, vehicle travel direction, wind speed, wind direction, and the heights of first and second nozzles from the ground surface. The controller includes a memory storing a look-up table having fan angles of the first and second nozzles, and a processor that computes first and second spray pattern on the ground surface based on the fluid dispensed through the respective first and second nozzles. The processor determines an overlap region between the first and second spray patterns, compares the determined overlap region with a pre-determined overlap, and takes corrective action automatically by changing travel speed of the vehicle or changing a duration of time the fluids are dispensed from the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an agricultural sprayer having a boom that supports many sections of fluid distribution pipes and an even larger number of spray nozzles. Various activities related to the spray nozzles are enabled or disabled using infinity switches or slide configurations that are mounted an operator seat armrests or on remote controllers.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersing fluids from an agricultural vehicle includes a sprayer that dispenses the fluids and a controller cooperative with a plurality of sensors to sense vehicle travel speed, vehicle travel direction, wind speed, wind direction, and the heights of first and second nozzles from the ground surface. The controller includes a memory storing a look-up table having fan angles of the first and second nozzles, and a processor that computes first and second spray pattern on the ground surface based on the fluid dispensed through the respective first and second nozzles. The processor determines an overlap region between the first and second spray patterns, compares the determined overlap region with a pre-determined overlap, and takes corrective action automatically by changing travel speed of the vehicle or changing a duration of time the fluids are dispensed from the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sprayer system having spray nozzles; each nozzle includes a thermistor or resistor that provides an electronic current or voltage value correlated with a flow rate or a local temperature. A low flow rate indicates of a fluid flow clog or plug within the nozzle or conduit. The flow rate or temperature results among the different nozzles are compared to detect which nozzles are partially or entirely clogged or otherwise anomalous. In various embodiments, the thermistor electronics are integrated in each individual nozzle. In some embodiments, upon detection of a potential clog, the electronics create an alert and respond to the clogged condition.

Abstract: An example machinery includes an automated crop management motorized vehicle having an intelligent, modularized image sensor (e.g. camera or video) system that is portable to other crop management vehicles such as a combine, planter or a tillage machine. The image sensor system includes a framework having a bank of procedures for monitoring and control of navigation, spray application, weeding, seeding, machine configuration, in real time as the machines go through a crop field throughout a crop cycle. One example implementation includes electronic circuits, with more than one set mounted on a platform that facilitates moving the setup to other agricultural machines. The framework captures, preserves and corrects the captured images for real time analysis and response, and for spray management to improve crop yield that is correlated with the machine settings and crop management practices.

Abstract: An example machinery includes a crop management motorized vehicle having an intelligent, modularized image sensor (e.g. camera or video) system that is portable to other crop management vehicles such as a combine, planter or a tillage machine. The image sensor system includes a framework having a bank of procedures for monitoring and control of navigation, spray application, weeding, seeding, machine configuration, and so on, in real time as the machines go through a crop field throughout a crop cycle. One example implementation includes electronic circuits, with more than one set mounted on a platform that facilitates moving the setup to other agricultural machines. The framework captures, preserves and corrects the captured images for real time analysis and response, and for crop yield analysis that is correlated with the machine settings and crop management practices.

Abstract: Embodiments include a ground scout having an ability to identify the location of rows of crops and the end of the rows so that it can navigate, but in other embodiments, the ground scout can also rely more on an aerial drone to navigate, to act as a communication relay system, and so on. A buddy system including a ground scout and an air scout (e.g. drone) communicate their findings with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of a boom system for a work vehicle has a first boom member with a plurality of first boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend along a first boom dimension and a second boom member with a plurality of second boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend in the first boom dimension and spaced from the first boom member in a second boom dimension. The boom system also has a union spanning the second boom dimension to couple the first boom member to the second boom member and having a first coupling segment joining consecutive first boom sections together and a second coupling segment joining consecutive second boom sections together.

Abstract: A C-spring contains an inner spring that is spaced apart from the outer primary spring. In one example usage, the upper and lower legs of the C-spring have rear regions respectively configured for being mounted to a tubular frame tool frame member of a ground working implement, such as a disk, and to a bearing housing.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersing fluids from an agricultural vehicle includes a sprayer that dispenses the fluids and a controller cooperative with a plurality of sensors to sense vehicle travel speed, vehicle travel direction, wind speed, wind direction, and the heights of first and second nozzles from the ground surface. The controller includes a memory storing a look-up table having fan angles of the first and second nozzles, and a processor that computes first and second spray pattern on the ground surface based on the fluid dispensed through the respective first and second nozzles. The processor determines an overlap region between the first and second spray patterns, compares the determined overlap region with a pre-determined overlap, and takes corrective action automatically by changing travel speed of the vehicle or changing a duration of time the fluids are dispensed from the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an agricultural sprayer having a boom that supports many sections of fluid distribution pipes and an even larger number of spray nozzles. Various activities related to the spray nozzles are enabled or disabled using infinity switches or slide configurations that are mounted an operator seat armrests or on remote controllers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sprayer system having spray nozzles; each nozzle includes a thermistor or resistor that provides an electronic current or voltage value correlated with a flow rate or a local temperature. A low flow rate indicates of a fluid flow clog or plug within the nozzle or conduit. The flow rate or temperature results among the different nozzles are compared to detect which nozzles are partially or entirely clogged or otherwise anomalous. In various embodiments, the thermistor electronics are integrated in each individual nozzle. In some embodiments, upon detection of a potential clog, the electronics create an alert and respond to the clogged condition.

Abstract: Embodiments include a ground scout having an ability to identify the location of rows of crops and the end of the rows so that it can navigate, but in other embodiments, the ground scout can also rely more on an aerial drone to navigate, to act as a communication relay system, and so on. A buddy system including a ground scout and an air scout (e.g. drone) communicate their findings with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of a boom system for a work vehicle has a first boom member with a plurality of first boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend along a first boom dimension and a second boom member with a plurality of second boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend in the first boom dimension and spaced from the first boom member in a second boom dimension. The boom system also has a union spanning the second boom dimension to couple the first boom member to the second boom member and having a first coupling segment joining consecutive first boom sections together and a second coupling segment joining consecutive second boom sections together.

Abstract: A C-spring contains an inner spring that is spaced apart from the outer primary spring. In one example usage, the upper and lower legs of the C-spring have rear regions respectively configured for being mounted to a tubular frame tool frame member of a ground working implement, such as a disk, and to a bearing housing.

Abstract: Embodiments include individual physical spray nozzles that have passageways inside to combine fluids that flow out of the spray nozzles. The nozzles have at least two valves that are opened and closed in an interleaved manner. The nozzles have multiple outlets. Such nozzles are mounted on a variety of implements including agricultural or industrial spray booms.

Abstract: A circuit structure and a method for reducing stresses on semiconductor devices fabricated underneath bondpads include metal layers with a lattice planar configuration which spreads forces applied such as during wafer test probing or during wire bonding. Easing electrical connectivity among circuit elements and maintaining circuit performance is also carried out using the lattice. The lattice has metal strips which may connect circuit elements together or which may connect to a reference voltage source. The metal layer and bondpad corners and edges are formed preferentially without acute angles.

Abstract: A current monitoring circuit for DC-DC switching converters includes a track and latch comparator circuit (30) having a preamplifier (32) that is controlled independently of a latch circuit (34). The comparator is small and operates very fast and with improved sensitivity. For example, the preamplifier circuit is disabled when the latch stage is making its decision to avoid noise and input disturbances from affecting the latch stage. This selective disabling feature speeds up the signal processing of the comparator and allows it to work in parallel with other circuits. The latch stage can make its decision later, regardless of any further activity at the inputs of the comparator.