Abstract: An automated machine management and operational control system. The system uses reusable digital assets to efficiently generate mission plans using predictable instructions. The reusable digital assets are created for applicability to multiple machines, locations, implements and operations. Machine, implement or location specific configurations may be used in combination with reusable digital assets to form mission plan instructions.

Abstract: An audio signaling system for automated machines facilitates action controls for a machine or fleet of machines. The audio signaling system may use audio tones and audio recognition for specified actions such as emergency stops. The system may include a field audio output system and onboard audio control systems. Audio control systems may include audio recognition and be integrated with automation control systems.

Abstract: A system to detect, track and display lightning activity is disclosed. The system is designed to be contained in a single radome package. An electric field antenna and a pair of magnetic field antennas receive the field components associated with lightning activity. The receiver, processor and control circuitry are located in the base of the radome which operates on the field signals. The processor determines the azimuth angles to the lightning activity based on the sampled field data and determines the range based on both the inverse of the magnetic field and the rise time of the electric field components. The sampled field data is grouped and assigned levels of intensity. The angle, range and intensity information is transmitted to a display where it can be displayed in a variety of formats.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting, tracking and displaying lightning activity is disclosed. A lightning stroke has associated therewith electric and magnetic field components characterized by maximum rise times and minimum power levels. The field signals comprise a plurality of sub pulses. An electric field antenna and a pair of magnetic field antennas are disposed to receive the field components associated with lightning activity. A processor which operates on the field signals received by antennas by sampling signals and storing samples as digital data in memories. In response to the control circuitry, the microprocessor determines the azimuth angles to the lightning activity based on the sampled field data and determines the range based on both the inverse of the magnetic field and the rise time of the electric field components. The sampled field data is grouped and assigned levels of intensity.

Abstract: System and techniques for an image filter based on row identification are described herein. A crop row center represented in an image of a crop row can be calculated. A filter corresponding to a set of expected crop characteristics of the crop row can be obtained. Elements in the image can then be categorized based on applying the filter to the image when the filter anchored on the crop row.

Abstract: A system for determining a volume of loose material within a container comprises a support arm mountable above the container, an array of one or more sensors mounted to the support arm, wherein each of the one or more sensors is configured to determine a discrete distance measurement between the array and a surface of the loose material or a surface of the container, and at least one processor in communication with the array of one or more sensors, the processor configured to estimate a volume of the loose material in the container from discrete distance measurements determined by the one or more sensors of the array.

Abstract: System and techniques for an image filter based on row identification are described herein. A crop row center represented in an image of a crop row can be calculated. A filter corresponding to a set of expected crop characteristics of the crop row can be obtained. Elements in the image can then be categorized based on applying the filter to the image when the filter anchored on the crop row.

Abstract: System and techniques for optical flow sensing applications in agricultural vehicles are described herein. A plurality of digital images of an agricultural environment can be obtained from a sensor affixed to agricultural equipment. The plurality of digital images can include a first image and a second image, the second image being captured subsequent to the first image. A transformation of a landmark between the first image and the second image can be identified. A degree of motion for the agricultural equipment relative to an environmental target can be calculated based on the transformation of the landmark.

Abstract: System and techniques for an image filter based on row identification are described herein. A crop row center represented in an image of a crop row can be calculated. A filter corresponding to a set of expected crop characteristics of the crop row can be obtained. Elements in the image can then be categorized based on applying the filter to the image when the filter anchored on the crop row.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for refined row guidance parameterization with Hough transform are described herein. An electronic representation of a field (ERF) can be received. A steering variable calculation can be performed by executing a cascaded Hough transform on the ERF. An intermediate value used in calculating the steering variable can be selected. A refined intermediate value can be identified from the intermediate value by measuring a difference between the intermediate value and an anchor value. The steering variable calculation can be adjusted using the refined intermediate value.

Abstract: A system for determining a volume of loose material within a container comprises a support arm mountable above the container, an array of one or more sensors mounted to the support arm, wherein each of the one or more sensors is configured to determine a discrete distance measurement between the array and a surface of the loose material or a surface of the container, and at least one processor in communication with the array of one or more sensors, the processor configured to estimate a volume of the loose material in the container from discrete distance measurements determined by the one or more sensors of the array.

Abstract: A system for determining a volume of loose material within a container comprises a support arm mountable above the container, an array of one or more sensors mounted to the support arm, wherein each of the one or more sensors is configured to determine a discrete distance measurement between the array and a surface of the loose material or a surface of the container, and at least one processor in communication with the array of one or more sensors, the processor configured to estimate a volume of the loose material in the container from discrete distance measurements determined by the one or more sensors of the array.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for refined row guidance parameterization with Hough transform are described herein. An electronic representation of a field (ERF) can be received. A steering variable calculation can be performed by executing a cascaded Hough transform on the ERF. An intermediate value used in calculating the steering variable can be selected. A refined intermediate value can be identified from the intermediate value by measuring a difference between the intermediate value and an anchor value.

Abstract: System and techniques for optical flow sensing applications in agricultural vehicles are described herein. A plurality of digital images of an agricultural environment can be obtained from a sensor affixed to agricultural equipment. The plurality of digital images can include a first image and a second image, the second image being captured subsequent to the first image. A transformation of a landmark between the first image and the second image can be identified. A degree of motion for the agricultural equipment relative to an environmental target can be calculated based on the transformation of the landmark.

Abstract: System and techniques for an image filter based on row identification are described herein. A crop row center represented in an image of a crop row can be calculated. A filter corresponding to a set of expected crop characteristics of the crop row can be obtained. Elements in the image can then be categorized based on applying the filter to the image when the filter anchored on the crop row.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a medical device to a support member. The mount includes a body member having a face to which a medical device can be attached, having a support member receiving first slot, and having a support member receiving second slot; and a fastener for fastening the body member to a support member.

Abstract: A support for isolating a salt block from vermin and ground moisture. The support includes a tray for carrying a salt block. A rod extends from the tray. A clamp, adapted for attachment to a post, is secured to the distal end of the rod so as to rotate relative to the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting, tracking and displaying lightning activity is disclosed. A lightning stroke has associated therewith electric and magnetic field components characterized by maximum rise times and minimum power levels. The field signals comprise a plurality of sub pulses also. An electric field antenna and a pair of magnetic field antennas are disposed to receive the field components associated with lightning activity. Control circuitry cooperating with rise time and threshold measuring which operates on the field signals received by antennas generates control signals including integration and sampling control signals over a predetermined time interval (preferable one point four seconds) and for sampling and holding the field signals at each of the sub pulse peak. Preprocessing circuitry upon command from a programmable microprocessor A to D converts the sampled field components where they are stored as digital data in memories.

Abstract: A metal foil has improved resistance to permanent thermal expansion. This metal foil includes a metal foil substrate and a thin barrier layer on at least one surface of the metal foil substrate. The metal foil can be used in a catalyst assembly to provide a catalyst support having improved resistance to permanent thermal expansion. The catalyst assembly includes a metal foil substrate and a thin barrier layer on at least one surface of the metal foil substrate. A catalyst material is provided on at least a portion of the barrier layer. This invention further relates to a method for reducing permanent thermal expansion of a metal foil. This method includes applying a barrier layer coating to at least one surface of a metal foil substrate. The method further can include the step of applying a catalyst material to at least a portion of the barrier layer.