Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: A method is provided of inserting an elongate element into a ground surface, including drilling at a first drilling location in the ground surface. The drilling is performed by a boring tool of a first vehicle. The elongate element is transported to the first drilling location. The transporting is performed by a second vehicle. The elongate element is handed off from the second vehicle to the first vehicle. The elongate element is inserted into the first drilling location. The inserting is performed by an inserting device of the first vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly capable of mounting an operator display interface to the ROPS of a work vehicle that has front and rear implements, such as the front loader and rear excavator of a backhoe. The adjustable mounting assembly can have a telescoping compound slide assembly with at least one movable rail and slider. The moveable rail and slider can translate to move a display mount linearly between the front or rear of the vehicle. A display bracket can rotate about a generally vertical axis. Detents or other positioning elements can be provided on the rails and slider as well as at preset angular orientations of the display mount. The adjustable mounting assembly thus allows the vehicle operator to readily adjust the display interface to be viewable when in the front and rear facing seating orientations of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly capable of mounting an operator display interface to the ROPS of a work vehicle that has front and rear implements, such as the front loader and rear excavator of a backhoe. The adjustable mounting assembly can have a telescoping compound slide assembly with at least one movable rail and slider. The moveable rail and slider can translate to move a display mount linearly between the front or rear of the vehicle. A display bracket can rotate about a generally vertical axis. Detents or other positioning elements can be provided on the rails and slider as well as at preset angular orientations of the display mount. The adjustable mounting assembly thus allows the vehicle operator to readily adjust the display interface to be viewable when in the front and rear facing seating orientations of the vehicle.

Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of controlling movement of a reference point on an end effector of a machine, where the machine includes a controller, a first control mechanism, and a second control mechanism. The method includes initiating a movement of the reference point to a desired location with the first control mechanism. The method also includes determining an actual position of the reference point and communicating the actual position of the reference point to the controller. A second control mechanism controls the movement of the reference point to the desired location.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of controlling movement of a reference point on an end effector of a machine, where the machine includes a controller, a first control mechanism, and a second control mechanism. The method includes initiating a movement of the reference point to a desired location with the first control mechanism. The method also includes determining an actual position of the reference point and communicating the actual position of the reference point to the controller. A second control mechanism controls the movement of the reference point to the desired location.

Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle having a tool connected to the vehicle, at least one actuator coupled to the tool and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is controllably coupled to the at least one actuator. The controller includes an operator interface. The controller is configured for issuing a plurality of commands, recording the commands, positioning the tool and replaying at least some of the commands. The issuing step includes issuing a plurality of commands to the at least one actuator using the operator interface to place the tool in a position relative to the vehicle. The recording step records the commands issued in the issuing step. The positioning step includes positioning the tool in another position different from the position. The replaying step includes replaying at least some of the commands recorded in the recording step, thereby repositioning the tool substantially in the original position.

Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle including a ground engaging tool, an actuator, a global positioning system (GPS) and a control system. The ground engaging tool extends from the vehicle, and has a reference feature. The actuator is connected to the ground engaging tool, and the actuator is configured to move the ground engaging tool relative to the vehicle. The actuator has a position sensor associated therewith. The GPS is positioned in a substantially fixed position relative to the reference feature. The GPS issues three dimensional location information. The control system is configured for receiving positional information from the position sensor and the three dimensional location information. The control system is also configured for processing the location information and sending a command to a non-GPS constrained algorithm that receives the command and determines a movement of the actuator dependent on a difference between the location information and a desired position of the reference feature.

Abstract: a ground engaging vehicle having a tool connected to the vehicle, at least one actuator coupled to the tool and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is controllably coupled to the at least one actuator. The controller includes an operator interface. The controller is configured for issuing a plurality of commands, recording the commands, positioning the tool and replaying at least some of the commands. The issuing step includes issuing a plurality of commands to the at least one actuator using the operator interface to place the tool in a position relative to the vehicle. The recording step records the commands issued in the issuing step. The positioning step includes positioning the tool in another position different from the position. The replaying step includes replaying at least some of the commands recorded in the recording step, thereby repositioning the tool substantially in the original position.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a robust USB connection configured to occupy the space heretofore utilized by a motor vehicle cigarette lighter. The USB connection is designed to adapt the pin for pin connection between a standard USB pin configuration and a common electrical harness connection used on off road heavy equipment. The USB female portion of the adaptor is designed to be readily replaced with minimal disassembly and cost in anticipation of high wear rates on the USB pins in the severe heavy equipment environment.

Abstract: A mooring chain is guided for movement through the frame of a chain stopper along a pair of upright rails, with vertical links of the chain received between the rails and horizontal links of the chain riding on top of the rails. A pawl is swingably mounted on the frame above the rails with inner legs of the pawl engaging a horizontal link of the chain at opposite sides of an adjacent vertical link. The pawl has outer legs which extend downward to a release pin. The release pin has grooves positioned to receive the bottom ends of the outer legs and prevent the pawl from moving in a direction which will allow loosening of the chain, unless the release pin is freed for rotation through an angle of about 90.degree.. The release pin is connected to a trigger assembly including a spinner block which is normally held against rotation by a trigger finger. Movement of the trigger finger frees the spinner block and thereby allows the release pin to move from a pawl-engaging to a pawl-released position.

Abstract: As a carriage carrying a mooring line guide is lowered by paying out a hoisting line two retaining projections mounted on the carriage are inserted into complementary stationary sockets to anchor the carriage in a lower position, As the carriage reaches such lower position two reciprocable latch pins mounted on the carriage are projected by compression springs into stationary sockets to lock the retaining projections in their sockets, Retraction of such latch pins in opposition to the force of such compression springs to remove the latch pins from their sockets is effected by tensioning of the hoisting line, The carriage is guided for elevational movement by rollers engageable with upright tracks or by guide sleeves encircling an upright taut guide line.

Abstract: An arcuate fairlead for mooring lines has an arcuate row of grooved line-engaging shoes of plastic material which shoes can be removed and replacement shoes can be installed without disassembling the mooring line from the fairlead. The fairlead is of generally triangular shape supported by trunnion and bearing means at its upper tip and adjacent to its apex enabling the fairlead to swing about an upright axis for self-alignment with a stretch of mooring cable beyond the lower tip of the fairlead.