Abstract: A machine control system and method 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: 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 variable rate suspension system for a boom sprayer including a lift assembly and chassis. The suspension system includes a needle valve fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a first and second lift arm cylinder. A control block provides hydraulic fluid to the system and lift arm cylinders. Dampening of vertical accelerations encountered by the chassis and transmitted to the boom sprayer through the lift assembly is controlled by adjusting the rate hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinders into the accumulator using the needle valve.

Abstract: A machine control system and method 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 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: A variable rate suspension system for a boom sprayer including a lift assembly and chassis. The suspension system includes a needle valve fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a first and second lift arm cylinder. A control block provides hydraulic fluid to the system and lift arm cylinders. Dampening of vertical accelerations encountered by the chassis and transmitted to the boom sprayer through the lift assembly is controlled by adjusting the rate hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinders into the accumulator using the needle valve.

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 swathing guidance system includes a controller storing data defining a desired vehicle path, a position detector subsystem such as a differential GPS receiver, and a display to graphically display current spatial parameters and corrective steering actions to place the vehicle on the desired path or to maintain it on the path. The controller periodically selects a future intercept point on the path and calculates a steering correction angle to point the vehicle toward the intercept point. The display includes a steering guide which displays the steering correction angle relative to the current heading and the current track error or distance from the desired path. The steering correction angle can alternatively be applied to an automatic steering mechanism to automatically maintain the vehicle on the desired path. In agricultural applications, the system is applicable to both parallel and contour cultivation modes.

Abstract: A swathing guidance system includes a controller storing data defining a desired vehicle path, a position detector subsystem such as a differential GPS receiver, and a display to graphically display current spatial parameters and corrective steering actions to place the vehicle on the desired path or to maintain it on the path. The controller periodically selects a future intercept point on the path and calculates a steering correction angle to point the vehicle toward the intercept point. The display includes a steering guide which displays the steering correction angle relative to the current heading and the current track error or distance from the desired path. The steering correction angle can alternatively be applied to an automatic steering mechanism to automatically maintain the vehicle on the desired path. In agricultural applications, the system is applicable to both parallel and contour cultivation modes.

Abstract: A swathing guidance system includes a controller storing data defining a desired vehicle path, a position detector subsystem such as a differential GPS receiver, and a display to graphically display current spatial parameters and corrective steering actions to place the vehicle on the desired path or to maintain it on the path. The controller periodically selects a future intercept point on the path and calculates a steering correction angle to point the vehicle toward the intercept point. The display includes a steering guide which displays the steering correction angle relative to the current heading and the current track error or distance from the desired path. The steering correction angle can alternatively be applied to an automatic steering mechanism to automatically maintain the vehicle on the desired path. In agricultural applications, the system is applicable to both parallel and contour cultivation modes.

Abstract: A swathing guidance system includes a controller storing data defining a desired vehicle path, a position detector subsystem such as a differential GPS receiver, and a display to graphically display current spatial parameters and corrective steering actions to place the vehicle on the desired path or to maintain it on the path. The controller periodically selects a future intercept point on the path and calculates a steering correction angle to point the vehicle toward the intercept point. The display includes a steering guide which displays the steering correction angle relative to the current heading and the current track error or distance from the desired path. The steering correction angle can alternatively be applied to an automatic steering mechanism to automatically maintain the vehicle on the desired path. In agricultural applications, the system is applicable to both parallel and contour cultivation modes.

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: 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.