Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material includes a first hopper for receiving a first material, and a pair of first dispensers, each first dispenser of the pair of first dispensers defining a corresponding first spread section for dispensing the first material from the first hopper. A second hopper is selectably receivable in the first hopper, the second hopper for receiving a second material, and a pair of second dispensers, each second dispenser of the pair of second dispensers defining a corresponding second spread section for dispensing the second material from the second hopper. Each second dispenser of the pair of second dispensers is selectively operable independently of each first dispenser of the pair of first dispensers.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based control system is provided for positioning a working component relative to a work surface, such as an agricultural spray boom over a crop field. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are mounted on the working component and provide positioning signals to a control processor. A method of positioning a working component relative to a work surface using GNSS-based positioning signals is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a work order management system and method, which can be configured for controlling the operation of multiple vehicles, such as agricultural sprayers each equipped with GNSS-based spray boom height control subsystems. The sprayers can be remotely located from each other on multiple crop fields, and can utilize GNSS-based, field-specific terrain models for controlling their spraying operations.

Abstract: A method of regulating the operation of a vehicle axle system, the vehicle axle system including at least one adjustable axle having at least one axle cylinder and a steering assembly including at least one steering cylinder connected thereto, an axle management system including a microcontroller having a microprocessor, a memory, and a sensor. The method includes receiving, by the axle management system, at least one desired axle position and at least one measured axle position, from at least one sensor. The method also includes determining, if the measured axle position is within a predetermined tolerance threshold of the desired axle position and regulating the position of the at least one adjustable axle.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based control system is provided for positioning a working component relative to a work surface, such as an agricultural spray boom over a crop field. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are mounted on the working component and provide positioning signals to a control processor. A method of positioning a working component relative to a work surface using GNSS-based positioning signals is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a work order management system and method, which can be configured for controlling the operation of multiple vehicles, such as agricultural sprayers each equipped with GNSS-based spray boom height control subsystems. The sprayers can be remotely located from each other on multiple crop fields, and can utilize GNSS-based, field-specific terrain models for controlling their spraying operations.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based control system is provided for positioning a working component relative to a work surface, such as an agricultural spray boom over a crop field. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are mounted on the working component and provide positioning signals to a control processor. A method of positioning a working component relative to a work surface using GNSS-based positioning signals is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a work order management system and method, which can be configured for controlling the operation of multiple vehicles, such as agricultural sprayers each equipped with GNSS-based spray boom height control subsystems. The sprayers can be remotely located from each other on multiple crop fields, and can utilize GNSS-based, field-specific terrain models for controlling their spraying operations.

Abstract: A method of regulating the operation of a vehicle axle system, the vehicle axle system including at least one adjustable axle having at least one axle cylinder and a steering assembly including at least one steering cylinder connected thereto, an axle management system including a microcontroller having a microprocessor, a memory, and a sensor. The method includes receiving, by the axle management system, at least one desired axle position and at least one measured axle position, from at least one sensor. The method also includes determining, if the measured axle position is within a predetermined tolerance threshold of the desired axle position and regulating the position of the at least one adjustable axle.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based control system is provided for positioning a working component relative to a work surface, such as an agricultural spray boom over a crop field. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are mounted on the working component and provide positioning signals to a control processor. A method of positioning a working component relative to a work surface using GNSS-based positioning signals is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a work order management system and method, which can be configured for controlling the operation of multiple vehicles, such as agricultural sprayers each equipped with GNSS-based spray boom height control subsystems. The sprayers can be remotely located from each other on multiple crop fields, and can utilize GNSS-based, field-specific terrain models for controlling their spraying operations.

Abstract: A CAD/GIS system that automatically generates faces within land site maps, by sliding or rotating line segments between boundaries given start points and other attributes. As the attributes are entered into the system, faces are automatically generated based on those attributes, which eases creation of lots within subdivisions.

Abstract: A soil sampling machine and its method of use is provided. The soil sampling machine can include a sampling mechanism configured and positioned to obtain a soil sample. A storage tank is located on the machine and can store the obtained sample material from the sampling mechanism. A hose connects the sampling mechanism and the storage tank and a vacuum generator generates a vacuum force in the hose to transport the obtained soil sample from the sampling mechanism to the storage tank.

Abstract: A soil sampling machine and its method of use is provided. The soil sampling machine can include a sampling mechanism configured and positioned to obtain a soil sample. A storage tank is located on the machine and can store the obtained sample material from the sampling mechanism. A hose connects the sampling mechanism and the storage tank and a vacuum generator generates a vacuum force in the hose to transport the obtained soil sample from the sampling mechanism to the storage tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a grading transition. Advantageously, the method for generating a 3D model of a grading transition may be used to generate generating a CAD drawing that includes realistic grading transitions, both in terms of a visual appearance and in terms of volumetric calculations related to the excavation/fill of grading materials.

Abstract: A CAD/GIS system that dynamically updates planar topologies through incremental updating techniques. Rather than batch processing all of the changes to every geometrical feature in a given site map, the changes are made in incremental fashion and only enclosures or faces/parcels that are affected by changes are updated.

Abstract: A CAD/GIS system that automatically discovers hierarchical relationships between root faces/parcels, smaller faces/parcels, and other defined areas of land. As the definitions are entered into the system, hierarchical relationships are created by the system to ease data management functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a grading transition. Advantageously, the method for generating a 3D model of a grading transition may be used to generate generating a CAD drawing that includes realistic grading transitions, both in terms of a visual appearance and in terms of volumetric calculations related to the excavation/fill of grading materials.

Abstract: A system for mounting heatsinks, in particular, high-mass heatsinks, on printed circuit boards, such as motherboards. The mounting system includes a backplate, disposed beneath the motherboard, with pins protruding up through the motherboard, and a linkage assembly, which is fixably attached to a base portion of a heatsink assembly. The linkage assembly includes scoops, for grasping the pins during engagement, and a ratcheting system, for compressing the heatsink and thermal interface material onto the package. The mounting system is designed to effectively distribute the heatsink weight, as well as the forces caused by chronic and dynamic stresses, through, rather than upon the motherboard, such as to a chassis. The mounting system thus alleviates stress cracks, component pullout, solderball stress, and other damaging conditions to the motherboard. The mounting system may be engaged and disengaged without the use of tools.

Abstract: A system to connect cards in a chassis is provided. The system includes a chassis frame having a slot to receive a card. A rocker is coupled to the chassis frame and positioned in a closed state when the card is in the slot. A magnetic element is positioned on the rocker and a sensor positioned to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnetic element. The sensor then determines whether the rocker is positioned an open state or said closed state.