Abstract: A vehicle steering system allowing for override of an automated steering mode, the system comprising: a vehicle steering mechanism; a movement module disposed on the vehicle steering mechanism, the sensor configured to detect movement of the vehicle steering mechanism of the vehicle steering system and generate a movement signal; a data transfer unit in wireless communication with the movement module and configured to receive and transmit the movement signal; and a steering control unit configured to allow for at least one of steering of the vehicle in a manual steering mode or an automated steering mode, the steering control unit in communication with the data transfer unit and configured to receive the movement signal and disable the automated vehicle steering mode upon receipt of the movement signal.

Abstract: A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.

Abstract: A method for treating plants with respect to estimated root zones comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor or nozzle control module adjusts a lateral offset of a spray pattern of a nozzle assembly of one or more nozzles based on the size, diameter or radius to target alignment or maximization of overlap area of a crop input directed to a strip or zone with respect to the corresponding root zone.

Abstract: A method for treating plants with respect to estimated root zones comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor or nozzle control module adjusts a lateral offset of a spray pattern of a nozzle assembly of one or more nozzles based on the size, diameter or radius to target alignment or maximization of overlap area of a crop input directed to a strip or zone with respect to the corresponding root zone.

Abstract: A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system comprises a hydraulic steering cylinder for controlling a steering angle of a steerable wheel of a vehicle. A hydraulic steering valve is adapted to control a flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic steering cylinder. A stepper motor is adapted to move or modulate a shaft coupled to the hydraulic steering valve in accordance with a control signal or control data message from a vehicle guidance controller. A position encoder of the stepper motor can measure the movement of the shaft. A steering angle estimator can estimate the steering angle based on measurements of the position encoder. A location-determining receiver provides position data and heading data. A vehicle guidance controller provides the control signal or control data message based on the estimated steering angle, position data and heading data.

Abstract: A method or system for controlling a vehicle comprises entering a programming mode or a guidance mode based on user input to a switch. The user can enter a guidance program in accordance with a predetermined sequence of inputs of the switch by the user, where readiness for each successive input is indicated by a light source. A guidance mode is managed for guiding a vehicle in accordance with the entered guidance program. An encoder or sensor can sense a steering angle of a steering system. The steering angle is controlled in accordance with the guidance program if the system or the data processor is operating in a guidance mode.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system comprises a hydraulic steering cylinder for controlling a steering angle of a steerable wheel of a vehicle. A hydraulic steering valve is adapted to control a flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic steering cylinder. A stepper motor is adapted to move or modulate a shaft coupled to the hydraulic steering valve in accordance with a control signal or control data message from a vehicle guidance controller. A position encoder of the stepper motor can measure the movement of the shaft. A steering angle estimator can estimate the steering angle based on measurements of the position encoder. A location-determining receiver provides position data and heading data. A vehicle guidance controller provides the control signal or control data message based on the estimated steering angle, position data and heading data.

Abstract: A grain elevator system and method are disclosed, where the grain elevator system includes a grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle, and/or a grain elevator paddle insert. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, the grain elevator paddle may be configured to include a divider piece for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle insert may be positioned on top of the grain elevator paddle for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached.

Abstract: A grain elevator system and method are disclosed, where the grain elevator system includes a grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle, and/or a grain elevator paddle insert. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, the grain elevator paddle may be configured to include a divider piece for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle insert may be positioned on top of the grain elevator paddle for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting an electronic assembly comprises a base bracket for connection to a generally horizontal member or stationary support bar of a vehicle. A back member is coupled to the base bracket by one or more isolators. The back member has a set of first holes arranged in generally vertical array. A guide rail is attached to the back member. A slidable member is adapted for slidably engaging the guide rail. A support member comprises a shelf for supporting the electronic assembly and a support portion connected to the slidable member.

Abstract: A first guide rail extends substantially laterally on the vehicle. The first guide rail has a central slot for lateral adjustment of a base member. The base member is slidable or movable along the first guide rail until secured by one or more fasteners. A back member is coupled to the base member by the one or more isolators. The back member has one or more holes arranged in generally vertical array. A second guide rail is attached to the back member. A slidable member is capable of slidably engaging the second guide rail for releasing the electronic assembly or for adjusting a vertical adjustment of a height of the electronic assembly. A support member comprises a shelf for supporting the electronic assembly and a support portion connected to the slidable member.

Abstract: A vehicle canopy comprises a stationary support bar that has substantially vertical base sections, tilted vertical sections tilted at an angle with respect to the respective base sections. A horizontal section extends between the tilted vertical sections. The horizontal section or the stationary support bar has a first peak height. A set of subsidiary stationary support bars is connected to the vertical base sections of the stationary support bar. The subsidiary stationary support bar has a second peak height less than the first peak height. A first support member has a set of mounting plates mounted above corresponding vertical base sections of the stationary support bar for supporting the first support member. A set of mounting flanges is on the subsidiary stationary supports. A second support member is supported by the mounting flanges.

Abstract: A vehicle canopy comprises a stationary support bar that has substantially vertical base sections, tilted vertical sections tilted at an angle with respect to the respective base sections. A horizontal section extends between the tilted vertical sections. The horizontal section or the stationary support bar has a first peak height. A set of subsidiary stationary support bars is connected to the vertical base sections of the stationary support bar. The subsidiary stationary support bar has a second peak height less than the first peak height. A first support member has a set of mounting plates mounted above corresponding vertical base sections of the stationary support bar for supporting the first support member. A set of mounting flanges is on the subsidiary stationary supports. A second support member is supported by the mounting flanges.

Abstract: A method or system for controlling a vehicle comprises entering a programming mode or a guidance mode based on user input to a switch. The user can enter a guidance program in accordance with a predetermined sequence of inputs of the switch by the user, where readiness for each successive input is indicated by a light source. A guidance mode is managed for controlling an implement height in accordance with the entered guidance program. A height sensor can sense an observed height or elevation of an implement of the vehicle (e.g., relative to the absolute target height of the implement above the ground). The observed height is controlled in accordance with the guidance program (e.g., the target height) if the system or the data processor is operating in a guidance mode.

Abstract: A target steering angle is detected, where the target steering angle is associated with an implement steering system for tracking a planned implement path. A data processor determines whether or not the implement steering angle is at or near a maximum steering angle toward a lateral upslope of ground. The data processor determines whether the implement is aligned with the planned implement path. A controller or data processor adjusts a target vehicle steering angle of the vehicle to guide the implement toward the lateral upslope in alignment with the planned implement path such that the implement tracks the planned implement path if the implement steering angle is at or near the maximum steering angle.

Abstract: A target steering angle is detected, where the target steering angle is associated with an implement steering system for tracking a planned implement path. A data processor determines whether or not the implement steering angle is at or near a maximum steering angle toward a lateral upslope of ground. The data processor determines whether the implement is aligned with the planned implement path. A controller or data processor adjusts a target vehicle steering angle of the vehicle to guide the implement toward the lateral upslope in alignment with the planned implement path such that the implement tracks the planned implement path if the implement steering angle is at or near the maximum steering angle.

Abstract: A method or system for controlling a vehicle comprises entering a programming mode or a guidance mode based on user input to a switch. The user can enter a guidance program in accordance with a predetermined sequence of inputs of the switch by the user, where readiness for each successive input is indicated by a light source. A guidance mode is managed for controlling an implement height in accordance with the entered guidance program. A height sensor can sense an observed height or elevation of an implement of the vehicle (e.g., relative to the absolute target height of the implement above the ground). The observed height is controlled in accordance with the guidance program (e.g., the target height) if the system or the data processor is operating in a guidance mode.

Abstract: A method or system for controlling a vehicle comprises entering a programming mode or a guidance mode based on user input to a switch. The user can enter a guidance program in accordance with a predetermined sequence of inputs of the switch by the user, where readiness for each successive input is indicated by a light source. A guidance mode is managed for guiding a vehicle in accordance with the entered guidance program. An encoder or sensor can sense a steering angle of a steering system. The steering angle is controlled in accordance with the guidance program if the system or the data processor is operating in a guidance mode.

Abstract: A user interface alerts an operator of the lead vehicle if the follower vehicle location is within a predefined radius of the lead vehicle location and a predetermined angular difference with respect to a heading of the lead vehicle. A user interface response mechanism is configured such that the operator can accept or reject jointly coordinated movement of the lead vehicle and follower vehicle for unloading the lead vehicle during an unloading period. The first wireless communications device is adapted to transmit an alignment data message to the follower vehicle to maintain a target offset between the lead vehicle and the follower vehicle, where the target offset is based on a first vehicle identifier of the follower vehicle, a second vehicle identifier of the lead vehicle, and preset target offset stored in at data storage device associated with the lead vehicle.