Abstract: An implement height adjuster is provided to allow for the adjustment of the height of an implement remotely from the tractor cab without requiring the user to stop the tractor to make individual adjustments. The implement height adjuster is configured to be coupled to a planter unit or other equipment towed behind a tractor and includes a motor, a gear reduction transmission coupled to the motor, and a flexible output shaft, that is coupled to the transmission at a first end and to the implement to be adjusted at a second end. The flexible output shaft allows the motor of the implement height adjuster to be mounted in various positions on the equipment. The gear reduction transmission or motor includes a position sensor that allows the operator of the tractor to know the position of a particular implement without requiring a visual inspection of the implement. A control panel is used to manage the vertical adjustment of one or a series of implements.

Abstract: A blade control system includes an angle obtaining part, an open ratio setting part and a lift cylinder controlling part. The angle obtaining part is configured to obtain an angle of a lift frame with respect to a designed surface. The open ratio setting part is configured to set an open ratio based on the angle. The lift cylinder controlling part is configured to open a proportional control valve at the open ratio for elevating the blade when a distance between the designed surface and an edge of a blade is determined to be less than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar. Systems, methods and apparatus are also provided for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar. Methods, systems and apparatus are also provided for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position.

Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine. The control system includes a sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the implement measurement signal, determine whether a main threshold condition is met, and to determine an adjusted implement command based at least in part on the implement measurement signal.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured to transition the ground engaging tool between the working position and the non-working position based on a flow of fluid from a fluid supply system. In addition, the agricultural implement includes at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the fluid supply system, and a controller configured to determine whether the ground engaging tool is in the working position or the non-working position based on the signal.

Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural row unit movable on a field between a first soil condition and a second soil condition, the first soil condition having a different soil hardness than the second soil condition. A down-pressure actuator applies an initial first pressure associated with the first soil condition. A soil-hardness sensing device is positioned at a distance D forward of the row unit and outputs a soil-hardness change signal when detecting a change from the first soil condition to the second soil condition. At least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the down-pressure actuator to change, in response to receiving the soil-hardness change signal, the initial first pressure to a different second pressure when the row unit encounters the second soil condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for assisting an operator of a motor grader to steer the motor grader in a crab steer mode. The method includes receiving an operator selection of an automatic crab steer mode, determining that a condition of the motor grader is such as to permit automatic crab steer, and receiving an operator steering command. The received operator steering command is converted to an articulation command to place the machine into a crab steer mode. The articulation command is executed and is also converted into a final steering command consistent with the articulation command, and the final steering command is then executed.

Abstract: A load sensing pin disposed to receive a load applied in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin. A load sensor is substantially fixedly oriented with respect to the applied load or alternatively with respect to the pin which is rotationally restrained with respect to a support structure. The load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to strain of the pin resulting from the applied load.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a blade and a hydraulics system for controlling operation of blade and non-blade functions of the work vehicle. The work vehicle is configured to be retrofitted with a blade position sensing and control system having cooperating onboard and vehicle-remote instrument packages without modification of the hydraulics system. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a motor grader includes a first sensor to indicate bounce of the motor grader and a speed sensor to indicate the ground speed. A controller determines a maximum amplitude of the bounce of the motor grader and controls the ground speed of the motor grader at least in part based upon the maximum amplitude of the bounce. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.

Abstract: An aerator with low fuel level control includes a low fuel level sensor, and a controller electrically connected to the low fuel level sensor and to the coring head that provides a warning to the operator and raises the coring head and/or prevents lowering the coring head into the operating position after the low fuel level sensor indicates a low fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An aerator hole spacing control with lockout prevents operation of a coring head except if the speed control is at a limited range of preset coring speed positions between the minimum and the maximum. Electrical signals corresponding to a coring speed may be provided to a controller that allows the coring head to be lowered to an operating position only if the signals are within the limited range of preset coring speed positions.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: System and method for providing guidance control for machines. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an implement, by a guidance controller, coupled to a machine. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the implement which affects a control setting of the machine, configuring the control setting of the machine by the guidance controller based, at least in part, on the characteristic of the implement and controlling operation of the machine based on the control setting.

Abstract: A combination is described of a tractor (10) and an implement (12) which is pulled by the tractor (10), by means of a draw bar (14) coupled to the tractor (10) so as to be pivotable about the vertical axis, is supported on the ground by wheels (28) and comprises a cultivating element (30) for cultivating a field (64). A control device (36) is used to activate a first actuator (40) with which the position of the draw bar (14) in relation to the implement (16) can be changed. The control device (36) activates the first actuator (40) in such a manner that the latter adjusts the draw bar (14) with the effect of moving the implement (16) towards an outside of a curve.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine. The control system includes a sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the implement measurement signal, determine whether a main threshold condition is met, and determine an adjusted implement command based at least in part on the implement measurement signal.

Abstract: A bulldozer of the present invention includes a GPS receiver which is fixed to a vehicle body of the bulldozer, and angle obtaining part which stores a conversion table in which a combination of an angling cylinder length and a tilt cylinder length are matched with a combination of a blade angling angle and a blade tilting angle.

Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: A vehicle ripping mechanism and method has a support frame mountable to the vehicle and movable between raised and lowered positions. A ripping member has an engagement head that is configured for plowing the ground and is pivotally supported on the support frame about a ripping member pivot axis that is preferably positioned such that pivoting of the ripping member displaces the engagement head largely longitudinally. A vibrator mechanism is mounted to the ripping member. Activation of the vibrator mechanism causes reciprocating pivoting movement of the ripping member. A tilt adjustment cylinder is connected to the support frame that is adjustable in length to alter an orientation of the ripping member. A control system includes a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the tilt adjustment cylinder, wherein the control system is configured to deactivate the vibrator mechanism based at least in part on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage.

Abstract: A blade control system first open ratio setting part for setting a first open ratio of a proportional control valve based on a difference angle between a blade angle and a slope angle; a second open ratio setting part for setting a second open ratio of the proportional control valve based on a difference load between a blade load and a target blade load; and a lift controlling part for controlling the proportional control valve in accordance with the second open ratio when the blade load is out of a predetermined load range and for controlling the proportional control valve in accordance with the first open ratio when the blade load is within the predetermined load range.

Abstract: A blade control system of the present invention includes a determining part which is configured to determine whether or not a load acting on a blade exceeds a first threshold, and a tilt controlling part which is configured to supply a hydraulic oil to a tilt cylinder for causing the blade to perform a rightward tilt action and a leftward tilt action when the determining part determines that the load acting on the blade exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: A bulldozer blade is coupled to the forward ends of right and left push-beams of a push frame by pivotal connections defining a transverse axis about which pitch adjustments of the blade pitch may be made by right and left push-beam cylinders provided between the beams and blade, the cylinders also effecting tilt adjustments of the blade about a longitudinal axis located midway between the push-beams. The push frame is, mounted for pivoting vertically about a second transverse axis so as to adjust the height of the blade, with a pair of lift cylinders being coupled between the bulldozer and the blade for effecting this adjustment. An electro-hydraulic control system including an electronic controller is provided for effecting individual or simultaneous control of the push-beam cylinders for effecting blade tilt and pitch adjustments in accordance with operator inputs, with, position feedback being provided by cylinder position sensors.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with a main frame and a movable subframe connected thereto has a fluid system which comprises an accumulator which provides a suspension effect to agricultural tools connected to the agricultural implement. This provides a simple, resilient hydraulic lifting system for an agricultural implement.

Abstract: A system and method to selectably control a position of a first end of a drawbar between a locked position and a suspended position with respect to a drawbar support. The drawbar is securable to a work vehicle distal from the first end, the method includes locking a position of the first end in response to a first predetermined condition and placing the first end in a suspended position in response to a second predetermined condition. Position control of the first end is continuously maintainable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine implement. The control system includes a measurement sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide an implement measurement signal and an operator command signal, and to determine an adjusted implement command based signal based on the implement measurement signal and the operator command signal.

Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a power source, an operator input device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desired mode of power source operation, and a work implement driven by the power source. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the power source and the operator input device. The controller may be configured to classify a currently performed work implement task and select an output map based on the classification of the currently performed work implement task and the first signal. The controller may further be configured to control the power source operation using the output map.

Abstract: A supplemental down force system for a ground working implement is provided where the supplemental downforce system groups the row units into at least two groups and provides a different supplemental down force to the row units in each group. This enables the row unit to have a supplemental down force closer to the desired down force recognizing that the row units do not all operate in the same conditions. The controller periodically regroups the row units into the at least two groups and readjusts the down force.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and tangible medium using row sensing for calibrating geographical positions for guiding a farm implement and calibrated geographical positions for steering a vehicle along a row.

Abstract: A control device for automatically controlling a pitch angle of a blade includes a hydraulic oil amount calculation unit and an open ratio setting unit. The hydraulic oil amount calculation unit is configured to calculate an amount of hydraulic oil passing through a blade tilt cylinder valve. The open ratio setting unit is configured to cause the blade tilt cylinder valve to open at a predetermined open ratio when a request for the pitch angle to be changed has been received, to cause the blade tilt cylinder valve to close when the calculated amount of hydraulic oil has reached a predetermined amount of hydraulic oil required for the change of the tilt angle, and to cause the open ratio to be smaller than the predetermined open ratio while a request for a predetermined action necessitating that hydraulic oil be supplied from a main valve is being received.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured to transition the ground engaging tool between the working position and the non-working position based on a flow of fluid from a fluid supply system. In addition, the agricultural implement includes at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the fluid supply system, and a controller configured to determine whether the ground engaging tool is in the working position or the non-working position based on the signal.

Abstract: Automatic height control of a dozer blade, the input from the slow absolute height sensor is combined with an input from a gyroscope that measures the instant rotation and recalculates it into a vertical height change using the length of the supporting arms. The combination obtains the accuracy of the absolute height information and an increased speed of measurement resulting in a compensated height estimate that is input to a hydraulic control system of the feedback type. This enables much more aggressive control even though the hydraulic system has an unknown linearity and delay associated with it. The gyroscopic sensor forms an IMU with one degree of freedom to compensate for drawbacks of the absolute height sensor with regard to delay, noise and update rate to obtain a frequent, time-correct height position with a reduced level of noise by means of a calculation based on both types of sensor output.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: A bulldozer includes a body, a drive unit, a ripper, an operating lever, a steering lever, and a controller. The ripper is attached to a rear part of the body and performs ripping work. The operating lever is for operating the ripper. The steering lever is for controlling a travel operation by the drive unit. The controller executes a first control of pulling the ripper up out of the ground and a second control of tilting back the ripper, when it is detected that the ripping work has been ended by operation of the operating lever and the steering lever.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may include a ground engaging work tool, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense a parameter indicative of a current travel speed of the mobile excavation machine and generate a speed signal in response thereto. The controller may be in communication with the ground engaging work tool and the sensor, and configured to receive the signal. The controller may also be configured to determine a cutting depth of the ground engaging work tool into a material and calculate a current productivity value associated with removal of the material based on the speed signal and the determined cutting depth. The controller may be further configured to control the ground engaging work tool to vary the amount of material currently being removed in response to the current productivity value.

Abstract: A remotely controlled backhoe is provided to permit operation of a backhoe and visual monitoring of a volatile or dangerous excavation site from a safe distance. The backhoe has an articulated rear boom arm and a rear bucket. Cameras are coupled to the backhoe proximate a left rear corner and a right rear corner of the cabin roof. A rear boom arm control is positioned on a remote control unit. The rear boom arm control is operationally coupled to the rear boom arm for maneuvering the rear boom arm. A rear bucket control is also positioned on the remote control unit and operationally coupled to the rear bucket for maneuvering the rear bucket. A monitor is coupled to the remote control unit and operationally coupled to the left rear camera and the right rear camera for displaying images from the left rear camera and the right rear camera.

Abstract: A machine for raising and lowering a load, the machine including a platform, a boom attached at one end to the platform, a rod mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom on the other end of a boom, the rod having a central bore there through, with at least two strain gauges mounted therein and angled relative to each other, a hoist rope extending over the rod and having an end adapted to be attached to the load, and a mechanism connected to the at least two strain gauges for determining the angle of departure of the hoist rope from the rod and the amount of pull of the load on the hoist rope.

Abstract: The present invention provides for on-the-fly, tillage implement height adjustment. It includes a reversible gearmotor removably attachable to the tillage implement height adjuster. Utilizing the tractor's electrical system as power source for the gearmotor, and by reversing the polarity of the circuit, the present invention can achieve clockwise and counterclockwise motion thus raising and lowering the tillage implement while the farmer stays in the cab of the tractor and continues to farm.

Abstract: A control system for controlling motion of a pallet truck vehicle includes three modes of operation for controlling coasting of the vehicle. In a first, constant pressure mode, the vehicle coasts for as long as an activation button is depressed. In a second, time controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined period of time. In the third, distance controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined distance. Each of these functions can be activated from a remote location using a remote activation device.