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: 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: 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: 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: A flow rate and droplet size control system for a spray system including a spray liquid source, a pump, a spray liquid line and a nozzle assembly. The control system includes a setpoint conversion subroutine for independently controlling the flow rate and volume median droplet size setpoints. The control system also includes performance envelopes for various nozzle tips. An independent flow rate and droplet size control method is provided for use with the control system. A position-responsive control system receives information pertaining to the boundaries of spray zones and spray conditions, such as application rates and volume median droplet diameters associated with the spray zones. The position-responsive control system monitors the position of a spray vehicle, which can comprise a ground vehicle or an aircraft. The position-based control system changes the spray system operating conditions in response to the sprayer vehicle position.

Abstract: A flow rate and droplet size control system for a spray system including a spray liquid source, a pump, a spray liquid line and a nozzle assembly. The control system includes a setpoint conversion subroutine for independently controlling the flow rate and volume median droplet size setpoints. The control system also includes performance envelopes for various nozzle tips. An independent flow rate and droplet size control method is provided for use with the control system. A position-responsive control system receives information pertaining to the boundaries of spray zones and spray conditions, such as application rates and volume median droplet diameters associated with the spray zones. The position-responsive control system monitors the position of a spray vehicle, which can comprise a ground vehicle or an aircraft. The position-based control system changes the spray system operating conditions in response to the sprayer vehicle position.

Abstract: A spray boom system for mounting on a vehicle with opposite sides includes a pair of boom assemblies with proximate and distal ends. The boom assemblies are mounted on the vehicle and are swingable between laterally-extending field positions and folded travel positions generally alongside the vehicle. Hinged connector assemblies are attached to the boom assembly proximate ends for permitting the swinging movement of the boom arms and also permit the boom arms to be independently raised and lowered by a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are also connected to the boom assembly proximate ends. The operation of the cylinders for raising and lowering the boom assemblies is controlled by a height control system which utilizes ultrasonic signals for determining heights of the boom assemblies above a field or crop surface.

Abstract: As the tractor and baler are driven straight down the windrow, hay is picked up and placed upon a platform conveyor which transfers the same rearwardly toward the baling chamber, during which transfer a deflector diverts the crop stream into an appropriate one of three axial sections of the chamber as determined by sensing and control mechanism associated with the baler. As the hay builds up in one of the sections, the sensors of the mechanism compare the size of that portion of the bale with the bale portion in the next adjacent chamber section, and once the differential between the two bale portions reaches a certain predetermined level, the control mechanism swings the deflector to its next position, directing hay into that next adjacent section to build up that portion of the bale.

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.