Abstract: A method for steering an agricultural vehicle comprising: receiving global positioning system (GPS) data including position and velocity information corresponding to at least one of a position, velocity, and course of the vehicle; receiving a yaw rate signal; and computing a compensated heading, the compensated heading comprising a blend of the yaw rate signal with heading information based on the GPS data. For each desired swath comprising a plurality of desired positions and desired headings, the method also comprises: computing an actual track and a cross track error from the desired swath based on the compensated heading and the position; calculating a desired radius of curvature to arrive at the desired track with a desired heading; and generating a steering command based on the desired radius of curvature to a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism configured to direct the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual-board case for multi-mainboard system includes a rectangular-sectioned tubular housing, in which two track sets are provided; and two mainboard trays being movably mounted on the two track sets to locate at an interior of two opposite lateral walls of the tubular housing. Each of the two mainboard trays has a loading surface, on which a mainboard is mounted; and the two mainboard trays are mounted on the track sets with their loading surfaces and accordingly, the two mainboards mounted thereon facing toward each other. Therefore, the dual-board case allows a multi-mainboard system to have optimal spatial arrangement to achieve best heat-dissipation efficiency and largely reduce noises.

Abstract: A chassis partition framework is provided for configuring a personal cluster computer that has a head-node mainboard, a first compute-node mainboard, a second compute-node mainboard, a third compute-node mainboard and a fourth compute-node mainboard. The chassis partition framework mainly includes a top chamber, a left chamber and a right chamber. The top chamber is for configuring the head-node mainboard horizontally. The left and right chambers located under the top chamber are for vertically configuring the first and second compute-node mainboards and the third and fourth compute-node mainboards respectively in face-to-face alignment, with the second and third compute-node mainboards standing in back-to-back alignment. Therefore, the mechanical problems of the conventional blade-type personal cluster computer about heat-dissipation, noise-reduction, expansibility and space-arrangement may be improved through the chassis partition framework.

Abstract: A sensor system for vehicle steering control comprising: a plurality of global navigation satellite sensor systems (GNSS) including receivers and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase corrected real time kinematic (RTK) position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system.

Abstract: A method and system for local computation of information to improve accuracy in a differential Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The method comprising: determining a current location of a reference receiver; comparing the current location with at least one stored location; if a resultant of the comparing is less than a selected threshold, identifying as a reference location the at least one stored location, which is closest to the current location; otherwise establishing the current location as the reference location and storing the current location. The method also includes computing the information from signals from one or more GNSS satellites the based on the reference location; and transmitting the information for reception by one or more remote receivers.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-inducted course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the movive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: A multi-processor system has a tubelike computer module including plural mother boards configured onto plural side walls of a rack body to form a unitary, continuous and non-segment airflow channel. The airflow channel of the tubelike computer module has larger space and fewer barriers to allow the airflow passing through smoothly, and to reduce wind noises or turbulences. Therefore, the system achieves optimum heat-dissipation efficiency and noise reduction by means of specific space arrangement and less cooling system requirement.

Abstract: A system for generating a high voltage energy pulse comprises a capacitive energy storage arrangement that is coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply. The capacitive energy storage arrangement stores energy from the power supply. The system also includes a pulse forming network for forming frequency contents of a high voltage energy pulse. A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to the capacitive energy storage arrangement and the pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form the high voltage energy pulse.

Abstract: A power switch device and method for a cluster computer is described. A power input circuit receives plural input powers and plural state signals corresponding to the input powers. A first output circuit supplies the input powers to a head node and at least one compute node. A second output circuit supplies the input powers to the head node. A gate produces a switch signal according to the state signals. According to the switch signal, a switch module connects the power input circuit to the first output circuit or the second output circuit. And a spare power module, connected to the first and second output circuits, stores a spare power charged from the first output circuit and supplies the spare power to the second output circuit during a switch period.

Abstract: A multi-processor system has a tubelike computer module including plural mother boards configured onto plural side walls of a rack body to form a unitary, continuous and non-segment airflow channel. The airflow channel of the tubelike computer module has larger space and fewer barriers to allow the airflow passing through smoothly, and to reduce wind noises or turbulences. Therefore, the system achieves optimum heat-dissipation efficiency and noise reduction by means of specific space arrangement and less cooling system requirement.

Abstract: A GNSS control system and method are provided for guiding, navigating and controlling a motive component, such as a tractor, and a working component, such as an implement. A vector position/heading sensor is mounted on the motive component and includes multiple antennas connected to a GNSS receiver. The sensor also includes inertial sensors and a direction sensor, which are connected to a microprocessor of a steering control module (SCM). The SCM can be hot swapped among different vehicles and can interface with their respective original, onboard control systems. The implement can be provided with an optional GNSS antenna, receiver or both, and can be guided independently of the motive component. The SCM can be preprogrammed to guide the vehicle over a field in operating modes including straight line, contour, concentric circle and point+direction.

Abstract: A pickup for an agricultural harvester that employees C-shaped tine guards with a generally planar tine guide, the tine guide having a slot-like hook at the lower end thereof that fits into a slot on the tine guard and held in place by bolts in the upper end of the hook and the upper end of the tine guide.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-inducted course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the movive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: A round bale wrapping mechanism that employs a second roll of wrapping material that is mounted adjacent an active roll. The second roll is powered by an electric clutch that allows a belt drive connected between the first roll and the second roll to rotate the second roll of wrapping material. The wrapping material on the second roll thus feeds onto the wrapping material being fed from the active roll and if fed through the wrapping mechanism onto the bale before the active roll is exhausted of wrapping material.

Abstract: A method and system for local computation of information to improve accuracy in a differential Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The method comprising: determining a current location of a reference receiver; comparing the current location with at least one stored location; if a resultant of the comparing is less than a selected threshold, identifying as a reference location the at least one stored location, which is closest to the current location; otherwise establishing the current location as the reference location and storing the current location. The method also includes computing the information from signals from one or more GNSS satellites the based on the reference location; and transmitting the information for reception by one or more remote receivers.

Abstract: An adaptive guidance system for a vehicle includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-induced course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the motive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: An automatic steering system and method are provided for a vehicle including an hydraulic primary steering system. The automatic steering system includes a guidance module with a GPS receiver and a microprocessor adapted to process and store GPS data defining travel paths, which can be associated with a cultivated field in an agricultural vehicle application. An automatic steering module is connected to the guidance module and to a steering valve control block, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid in parallel with the vehicle's primary hydrostatic steering system. The automatic steering system utilizes a constant factor, such as steering rate, for predictability and simplicity in the operation of the automatic steering system. A feedback loop from the vehicle hydrostatic steering system uses the vehicle's actual turning rate for comparison with a desired turning rate.

Abstract: A pickup for an agricultural implement, the pickup including spaced-apart end members supporting an upper windguard and adaptable for selective connection to multiple windguard configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping round bales with either netwrap or stretch film that prevent the stretch film from adhering to the parts of the wrapping mechanism.