Abstract: A virtual assist apparatus assists moving a tractor loader relative to a target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. An image sensor device generates target image data representative of a target item image. Based on the target image data, tractor heading data representative of a tractor heading of the tractor, and target alignment guidance data representative of a target approach path providing access to a target attachment feature of the target item that is mutually engageable with a corresponding loader attachment feature of the loader are determined. A display unit displays viewable images of tractor heading and the target approach path for assisting the movement of the tractor to position the loader relative to the target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. The target item may be an implement couplable with a tool carrier or a load engagable with the implement.

Abstract: A positioning assist apparatus includes a vision system that generates target device data representative of an obtained image of a set of target devices carried on the boom or tool carrier of the loader or on both, and positioning assist logic executable by a processor to determine a current position and/or pose of the loader based on the target device data, and to generate current loader position data representative of the determined current position of the loader. The loader positon is based on loader height as may be represented by boom angle, and tool carrier angle. Data is generated for display to an operator to visually communicate movement instructions to the operator and/or to generate control signals controlling the loader, each to move the loader from the determined current position to a desired position in response to a return to position (RTP) command received by the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring usage operation of equipment carried on a vehicle. A vision system generates target device data representative of an obtained image of a set of target devices carried on a loader. Loader monitoring logic is executed by a processor to determine a current loader movement of the loader from first to second loader poses based on the target device data. Maintenance alert data is generated based on a sum of a first time duration of the current loader movement and an aggregated time duration of previously determined loader movements of the loader exceeding a predetermined loader maintenance time threshold. A maintenance alert image is generated based on the maintenance alert data and is displayed on a screen viewable by an operator. The maintenance alert image includes maintenance notification information to alert the operator of required loader maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a food product such as tamales is provided in which a template for forming the shape of the tamale dough is provided together with a forming tool for anchoring down the tamale wrapper and leveling and pressing dough or masa into a predetermined shape for making tamales. The novel template apparatus is placed over a corn husk to flatten and anchor the corn husk before adding the dough composition and forming the dough composition into the template apparatus. The template apparatus is then removed from the formed dough and the remaining ingredients are added and the tamale is rolled with the corn husk for freezing, shipment or cooking. The novel method and apparatus includes the step of utilizing a special dough composition having a predetermined density for flowing into the tamale template opening. The preferred dough composition has a density in the range of about 1.10 to about 1.12 grams per cubic centimeter.