Abstract: A mining shovel with compositional sensors comprises a bucket having various inward looking sensors positioned throughout the bucket. The bucket can also have disposed thereon a control enclosure that houses processing equipment that receives and analyzes the data collected by the inward looking sensors. The mining shovel with compositional sensors can be used as part of a system to manage a mining field, including generating and transmitting instructions directing where to deposit material located in the bucket based on the data collected from the inward looking sensors positioned in the bucket.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which monitors and regulates induced ground-line power on a structure or organism. Further a method and system is disclosed which monitors and regulates induced ground-line power by regulating and harnessing small current flows generated by induced EMF exposure on the structure or organism as they flow through the attached system to an Earth ground connection point.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body, an attachment including a boom, an arm, and an end attachment, a boom state detector configured to detect the state of the boom, an arm state detector configured to detect the state of the arm, an end attachment state detector configured to detect the state of the end attachment, and a hardware processor. The hardware processor is configured to obtain information on the position of the end attachment based on the respective outputs of the detectors, correlate the information on the position of the end attachment with information on the position of an underground object obtained based on the output of an underground object detector, and calculate the distance between the end attachment and the underground object. The hardware processor is further configured to control the shovel such that the distance is prevented from falling below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mower implement includes sensing a separation distance between the mower implement and an adjacent windrow with an outboard distance sensor. The sensed separation distance is then compared to a defined separation target. The computing device indicates that a course of the mower implement is on-target when the separation distance is approximately equal to the defined separation target. The computing device indicates that the course of the mower implement is drifting in a first direction when the separation distance is less than the defined separation target and greater than zero. An offset distance is sensed between the mower implement and a standing crop edge. The computing device indicates that the course of the mower implement is drifting in a second direction when both the separation distance and the offset distance are substantially equal to zero.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sensing soil characteristics of an agricultural field, including soil variability and/or clod stability, in real time to allow rapid adjustment of an implement while traversing the field. The implement could be a planter, a fertilizer applicator or a tillage implement treating the field with ground engaging tools. The system can sense the soil characteristics, for example, by continuously transmitting acoustic energy to the field and sensing sound energy scattered back. This, in turn, can allow a continuously updated estimation of the field, such as in terms of clod size. Adjustment of the implement can include changing its speed and/or application of a seedbed attachment, such as changing a depth of the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A mining shovel with compositional sensors comprises a bucket having various inward looking sensors positioned throughout the bucket. The bucket can also have disposed thereon a control enclosure that houses processing equipment that receives and analyzes the data collected by the inward looking sensors. The mining shovel with compositional sensors can be used as part of a system to manage a mining field, including generating and transmitting instructions directing where to deposit material located in the bucket based on the data collected from the inward looking sensors positioned in the bucket.

Abstract: A disc harrow implement has gang assemblies each having aligned disc gangs carried by a support bar. Each disc gang has disc blades spaced along an axis of the disc gang. The disc gangs of each gang assembly are coaxially aligned to create a line of substantially equally spaced disc blades. A plugging detection system alerts an operator if one or more of the disc gangs are rotating at a rotational speed that is slower than rotational speeds of the remaining disc gangs. The plugging detection system includes a gang rotation sensor for each of disc gangs. Each gang rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the connected disc gang. A control module compares the rotational speed of each disc gang to the rotational speed of the disc gangs and generates an output that indicates when a disc gang is rotating more slowly that the other disc gangs.

Abstract: Machine for harvesting roots planted in the ground and aligned in rows, comprising a unit (36) for horizontally cutting the head of the roots, said unit having a means for automatically adjusting the level of its cutting blade depending on the level of this head, and being followed by a harvesting unit (48) that hollows out the earth beneath the roots at a relative height beneath the cutting level, characterized in that it has a means for detecting the height of the top of the root e, and a means for adjusting the relative height of the harvesting unit (48) with respect to the cutting level, depending on this height.

Abstract: A system for detecting objects in a zone proximate to a machine includes a detection sensor, an output device, and a controller. The controller is configured to define an obstruction zone proximate to the machine and within the zone, receive detection signals from the detection sensor, determine if the detection signals indicate that an object exists within the obstruction zone, and determine if the object is indicative of a machine component, if the detection signals indicate that the object exists within the obstruction zone, based on a learned obstruction detection process. The learned obstruction detection process is configured to determine if the object is indicative of a machine component by comparing the detection signals with component-associated detection data. The controller is configured to provide an alert signal to the output device if the first object is not indicative a machine component.

Abstract: A two-point hitch system includes an attachment assembly configured to attach the two-point hitch system to a towable implement. The two-point hitch system further includes a mount member mechanically coupled to the attachment assembly. The two-point hitch system additionally includes two rotatable ends rotatably coupled to the mount member; wherein each of the two rotatable ends comprise a removable fastener configured to attach the two-point hitch system to a towing vehicle via the two rotatable ends.

Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicular radar assembly includes a radar mount positioned proximate an engine compartment within a vehicle. A radar carriage is slidably coupled to the radar mount and having a radar module coupled thereto. A biasing mechanism biases the radar carriage away from the radar mount toward a use position. Imposition of an impact force against the radar module temporarily overcomes the biasing mechanism and biases the radar carriage toward the radar mount.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a plant maintenance apparatus to move along a plant or line of plants. The apparatus has a support frame to connect to a prime mover to move the apparatus. A sensing member is mounted from the frame, to contact and be deflected by the plant as the apparatus is moved. A sensor to senses the deflection and if the deflection is above a threshold it issues a signal to an actuator. There is a near ground member, mounted from and moving with the frame. The near ground member acted on by the actuator, so that when the threshold is met the near ground member moves to a first position away from the plant when immediately adjacent thereto, and then moves to a second position once past said plant.

Abstract: In controlling a work vehicle including a boom supported by a vehicle body and configured to turn, and a bucket supported by a side, away from the vehicle body, of the boom and configured to turn according to an operation of an actuator, an operation amount for raising the boom or a rising speed of the boom, and an operable amount that the actuator is able to operate before the bucket reaches a stop position on the dump side based on the posture of the boom and the posture of the bucket, are obtained, and an operation amount of the actuator for causing the bucket to tilt is changed based on the operation amount for raising the boom or the rising speed of the boom to thereby cause the bucket to tilt according to the operable amount.

Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: A mining shovel with compositional sensors comprises a bucket having various inward looking sensors positioned throughout the bucket. The bucket can also have disposed thereon a control enclosure that houses processing equipment that receives and analyzes the data collected by the inward looking sensors. The mining shovel with compositional sensors can be used as part of a system to manage a mining field, including generating and transmitting instructions directing where to deposit material located in the bucket based on the data collected from the inward looking sensors positioned in the bucket.

Abstract: A controller device, implemented in a repeating system associated with a vehicle, may activate an antenna device included in the repeating system to cause the antenna device to receive a network signal and transmit an amplified network signal, corresponding to the network signal, to an area around the vehicle; and cause an amplification device, included in the repeating system, to receive the network signal, amplify the network signal to form the amplified network signal, and provide the amplified network signal for transmission by the antenna device.

Abstract: A compact row unit positioning structure includes a gear and mating toothed surface to positively position agricultural row units on an implement. An electric or hydraulic motor may be used to drive the gear and move row units individually or in groups to change row spacings, follow rows or move row units to a maintenance position. In one embodiment, position sensing structure such a row finder or GPS device connected to a controller operates the positioning structure. Automatic on-the-go row alignment may be implemented, and various row spacings, skip-row patterns or repair access positions may be provided either manually or automatically.

Abstract: The invention provides a guidance system for guiding a towed agricultural implement such as seeders, planters, sprayers and the like, along a preferred path between rows of growing crop or standing stubble by sensing the rows of growing crop or standing stubble with a uniquely designed paddle-like sensor means which does not engage the ground.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement, including a support arm is proposed, by means of which an operating unit is connected with a vehicle. The retaining arrangement includes a safety device which operates such that, as long as a predetermined condition is not fulfilled, the connection of the operating unit with the vehicle is maintained. The operating unit is connected with the support arm in such a way that the operating unit can pivot with respect to the support arm about at least one axis provided with at least one vertical component that is arranged in a generally central region of the operating unit, when the safety device frees the connection.

Abstract: A system for automatically moving a work implement of a work machine includes a position monitoring system configured to track a position of the work implement relative to a mapped landscape and programmable to incorporate an electronic representation of at least one entity designated to be avoided into the mapped landscape. The system also includes a controller configured to initiate movement of the work implement in response to information from the position monitoring system, including movement of the work implement to avoid the at least one entity. The work machine has a longitudinal axis aligned with a direction of travel of the work machine and the movement of the work implement includes movement of an edge of the work implement, nearest to the at least one entity, relative to a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically thinning crops, particularly those planted in rows. One or more crop thinning units are connected to the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Each of the units has the ability to sense plants and activate an arm which has a blade disposed thereon. An electronic control system enables data from several sensors to be evaluated such that plants may be selectively removed based on pre-established criteria. Sensors differentiate between weeds and plants, and maintain the cutting units above the crop rows.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system for vehicular environments including a monitoring sensor system and a mounting system is disclosed. An installer can make aiming adjustments, in the factory or field, to account for tolerance stack-up. The system includes a housing for mounting the monitoring sensor system to minimize cross-talk and interference between transmitter and receiver sections, to limit sensor system movement, and to enable gross and fine aiming adjustments. In one embodiment, a circuit board is disposed within a cradle assembly which, in turn, is mounted in or integral to the housing to position the obstacle detection sensor as necessary. The cradle in one embodiment is an enclosure for the circuit board. The sensor housing is mounted to the interior vehicle trim, door panel, and/or door sheet metal and ensures consistent mounting regardless of interior trim or factory installation variations. Integral adjustment mechanisms are incorporated for adjusting the orientation of the sensor system.

Abstract: A locating system and method for determining the location of an article relative to a crop row. The system comprises a plurality of marker means substantially linearly disposed at intervals substantially parallel to the crop row. A sensor means is provided to generate a sensor signal indicative of the location of the sensor means and hence the article in relation to the crop row.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for a utility vehicle having a sensing apparatus for detecting data regarding the vehicle and a control for operating implements used in conjunction with the vehicle. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the sensing apparatus to provide more accurate data regarding use of the vehicle. The electronic circuit operates in two modes including: a first mode allowing the sensing apparatus to operate, and a second mode not allowing the sensing apparatus to operate. Typically, the electronic circuit is operatively coupled between a power source of the utility vehicle and the sensing apparatus for regulating the supply of power therebetween by operating in the two modes. Preferably, the electronic circuit is operatively linked to a control that operates implements used in conjunction with the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric earth-moving vehicle, particularly for poorly ventilated locations, comprising an electric motor drive for driving wheels of the vehicle, a hydraulic unit which is actuated by a further electric motor drive for equipment installed on the vehicle, at least two sets of batteries for the motor drives, a control unit for connecting the motor drives to the two sets of batteries which is adapted to connect the motor drives individually or simultaneously to one set of batteries or the other or to both, and a supporting chassis which has, in a median and downward region, a tunnel for inserting one of the two sets of batteries.

Abstract: A process for using localized agricultural data to optimize the cultivation of perennial plants, the process including: passage through a parcel of perennial plants by a farm machine; automatic production of positioning signals at several points in the parcel, by means of an absolute positioning sensor, for example, of the differential GPS type installed on board the farm machine; automatic measurement by means of appropriate sensors of one or more pieces of agricultural data at each of these points; recording of the positioning signals and the data measured at these points by a data processing unit; processing of the positioning signals by means of a computer and an appropriate algorithm so as to organize them according to the rows of the parcel, so that the same row can be found again unambiguously during different passes; real-time or deferred representation of the positions passed through and/or the agricultural data in the form of a computer-generated map.

Abstract: An area limiting excavation control system in an excavation machine having a front device, includes means for setting in advance, an area where the front device is movable. A control unit calculates the position and posture of the front device based on signals from angle sensors. When the front device is inside the set area near the boundary thereof, the control unit calculates a limit value (a) of a bucket tip speed so that a moving speed of the front device in the direction vertical to the boundary of the set area is restricted, and then modifies the limit value (a) depending on a load pressure of an arm cylinder detected by a pressure sensor. It further calculates, from the limit value (a), a limit value of the component of a boom-dependent bucket tip speed vertical to the boundary of the set area, and then modifies a boom operation signal so that the boom-dependent bucket tip speed will not exceed the above limit value.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for detection of cultivation boundaries or guide variables which are evaluated for an automatic steering system on agricultural machines. Electromagnetic waves emitted by a transmitter in the working direction of the machine are used. Several boundary-specific variables are determined from the reflection of the electromagnetic wave and from them is derived a control difference for a steering regulator.The device is mounted on the individual implements in the vicinity of the cultivation boundary and arranged in such a way that the cultivation boundary is detected before cultivation. Using a device, in the embodiment of a scanner, which works with electromagnetic waves, and evaluating several cultivation boundary-specific guide variables contained in the reflection, results in the successful contactless detection all cultivation boundaries or guide variables existing in agriculture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for determining the position of a rowcrop in a field being traversed by a mobile machine. The apparatus and method includes a ground penetrating radar (GPR) assembly located on the mobile machine, a processor for receiving a GPR receive signal from the GPR assembly and determining the position of the rowcrop, and a work implement attached to the mobile machine and adapted to move in a direction transverse the longitudinal direction of the mobile machine in response to the location of the rowcrop.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the position of a motor grader blade relative to a motor grader frame. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and frame controls having position sensors; monitoring the output of the position sensors to ascertain the position of the blade controls and the frame controls; receiving an input signal requesting a repositioning of the blade or the frame; determining the present blade position and the present frame position; calculating a future blade position and a future frame position based on the repositioning request; predicting an intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position; and producing an action to prevent the intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position.

Abstract: A guidance system for an implement drawn by a tractor with the implement being interconnected to the tractor by a conventional hitch. An elongated arm or support is pivotally secured, about a vertical axis, to the implement adjacent one end thereof and extends forwardly therefrom. A pair of gauge wheels are rotatably mounted on the forward end of the arm and are adapted to follow along the opposite sides of a ridge of the row. A ground engaging coulter is supported on the elongated arm and as the elongated arm pivots with respect to the implement, as the implement moves out of proper alignment with the rows, the coulter tends to steer the implement back into proper alignment with the rows and provides further resistance to the lateral movement of the gauge wheels with respect to the ridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick hitch guidance system which allows an operator to maintain proper alignment with a farm implement while towing it behind a tractor. The device includes an exterior inverted U-shaped frame with an external quick hitch coupling element. Within the frame there is attached a double rod hydraulic cylinder which operatively moves internal linkage within the frame so that the distance between the device and the tractor is increased on one side and decreased on the other thereby steering the implement into proper alignment. The implement moves independent of the tractor so that as the tractor deviates laterally from alignment with the crop rows, the position of the implement is corrected and aligned with the rows to prevent crop damage.

Abstract: An adjustable row following guidance device for a tractor drawn row crop implement, includes a main support member disposed substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the implement as pulled by the tractor and having a first side and a second side, a first crank arm-assembly being releasably attachable to either of the first side and the second side, a second crank arm assembly being releasably attachable to either of the second side and the first side, the attachment of the crank arm assemblies to the main support member forming a generally inverted U-shape, each crank arm assembly including a laterally offset configuration, so that when the first crank arm assembly is attached to the first end, and the second crank arm assembly is attached to the second end, the device has a first implement width, and when the first and second crank arm assemblies are reversed on the main support member, the device has a second implement width, each crank arm assembly further including a forward portion with a t

Abstract: A row sensing wand triggers a power cylinder to move the upstanding vertical members of a U-shaped guidance frame left or right to move the lift arms of a three-point hitch on which a cultivator is mounted for maintaining it in alignment with the row crops being cultivated. The guidance frame is movably mounted on a guide tube connected to the tractor drawbar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick hitch guidance system which allows an operator to maintain proper alignment with a farm implement while towing it behind a tractor. The device includes an exterior inverted U-shaped frame with an external quick hitch coupling element. Within the frame there is attached a double rod hydraulic cylinder which operatively moves internal linkage within the frame so that the distance between the device and the tractor is increased on one side and decreased on the other thereby steering the implement into proper alignment. The implement moves independent of the tractor so that as the tractor deviates laterally from alignment with the crop rows, the position of the implement is corrected and aligned with the rows to prevent crop damage.

Abstract: The invention described herein uses the periodicity of the relative height of the surface of a crop or soil surface that is measured over a large area to control the position of a farm vehicle as it passes between rows of crops. The range and angle of return wave energy that are caused by a scanning beam of energy that sweeps across the crop canopy are measured. Signal processing techniques are employed to utilize the range and angle information to derive steering correction signals to control the farm vehicle. There is no contact with the crop and, therefore, there is no entangling with the crop or weeds with the invention. In addition, a plurality of heights are simultaneously determined across the path of the vehicle which are averaged by signal processing techniques. In this manner local anomalies due to weeds, clumps of soil, damaged or missing plants and erosion will not confuse the device or decrease its accuracy.

Abstract: A guidance system for an implement drawn by a tractor with the implement being interconnected to the tractor by a guidance hitch which moves the implement laterally with respect to the tractor to maintain the implement in proper alignment with the rows of the field. An elongated arm is pivotally secured, about a vertical axis, to the implement adjacent one end thereof and extends forwardly therefrom. A pair of gauge wheels are rotatably mounted on the forward end of the arm and are adapted to follow along the opposite sides of a ridge of the row. The pivotal connection between the arm and the tool bar is effected by an angle sensing shaft extending from a guidance sensor.

Abstract: A carrier for a row follower is pivoted to the front of an agricultural tractor by a horizontal carrier pivot which is at right angles to the direction of travel of the tractor. This pivot permits the carrier to pivot away from the tractor in the event the tractor is reversed in direction of travel while the row follower is in the operating position. The row follower is connected to an encoder housing. The encoder housing is mounted upon an assembly pivot bolt so that it may be tilted to a carry position which raises to horizontal position, a shank which carries the row follower. The tilting of the encoder is accomplished by a solenoid which is primarily controlled from the cab of the tractor. The row follower shank is biased to be in a position aligned with the direction of travel. Also, the row follower shank is limited by the prongs of a fork to a maximum limited deviation from the alignment with the direction of travel so that it does not swing wildly.

Abstract: An adaptor to allow a farm implement guide system to be used with a pull-type implement to keep a row-crop planter or cultivator properly in the desired row even though the pulling tractor becomes somewhat misaligned. The adaptor is inserted between the tongue of the implement which normally is elongated to allow clearance for tractor wheels when the implement is turned sharply and the machine itself so that relatively large misalignment may be corrected. The distance between the implement and the adaptor is kept as short as possible.

Abstract: An encoder is mounted upon a vehicle within a sealed, tubular housing. The encoder is mounted within the housing by a shock absorbing mount. Stub shafts extend from each end of the tubular housing which are co-axial and which are aligned with a direction of movement of the vehicle. The stub shafts are sturdy and carry a row follower upon them. The row follower contacts a path to be followed along the ground. At least one of the sturdy stub shafts are connected to the encoder by a shock absorbing, flexible coupling. The encoder translates signals by which the vehicle is guided along the path contacted by the row follower.

Abstract: A caddy with a guidance system for towing agricultural implements is provided for row crop farming. The caddy converts mounted agricultural implements to pull-type implements, allowing larger implements to be pulled by relatively small tractors. A guidance system automatically maintains the desired position of the implement and the caddy with respect to the crop rows. The frame assembly of the caddy includes a tongue assembly for attachment to a tractor. The tongue is pivotally connected to an axle which is rotatable about a vertical axis at the rear of the caddy. A three-point hitch is provided in association with the axle of the caddy for attachment to a mounted implement. The guidance system of the invention is provided as a sensor-activated hydraulic mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder to rotate the axle about the vertical axis to steer the caddy and provide the necessary correction to its path of travel.

Abstract: A guidance system is disclosed for the combination of a farm tractor and trailing implement, wherein the guidance system is of the type where the implement is attached to a 3-point hitch mechanism that can be angularly oriented in a horizontal plane by extending one side relative to the other to change the angle of the hitch relative to the drive axle of the tractor. Another embodiment operates with an implement that is attached with a single pull hitch. The system operates in a turn around mode for the pull hitch embodiment where the implement swings outwardly during turning to minimize the turning radius for the combination of the tractor and the implement. Another embodiment of the system for a 3-point hitch attachment causes the implement to be centered behind the tractor for a farming operation where no crops or furrows are present.

Abstract: A switch assembly which is attached to a portion of the agricultural tractor and implement combination in order to control operation of a guidance system. The switch assembly includes a switch, a switch support assembly, an attachment assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The switch is a mercury tilt switch which is designed for horizontal mounting. The switch is activated when tilted above the horizontal and is deactivated when tilted below the horizontal. The switch assembly is mounted to the hitch system of an agricultural tractor. When the operator raises the hitch system, the mercury switch automatically switches the control system from the automatic mode to the manual mode. When the operator lowers the hitch system, the mercury switch automatically switches the control system from the manual mode to the automatic mode. The switch is sealed to prevent dirt and debris from interfering with the operation of the switch.

Abstract: An improved apparatus (62) for on-the-go lateral adjusting of a field implement (10) is provided, and is especially useful for a pull-behind, tractor-mounted implement (10) designed to operate on or between rows (30) of a crop (32). The apparatus (62) includes a sensing assembly (64) having lowermost feelers (70, 72) designed to detect the position of the implement (10) relative to generally parallel crop rows (30), along with implement adjusting structure (66) and a hydraulic control assembly (68). The adjusting structure (66) is preferably in the form of a piston and cylinder assembly (104) pivotally coupled between the draw bar (14) of a tractor (12) and one of the three point hitch arms (16) thereof. The control assembly (68) is in the form of a solenoid-operated hydraulic valve (128) interposed between the hydraulic system of the tractor (12) and the cylinder (106) of piston/cylinder assembly (104).

Abstract: A guidance system for the combination of a farm tractor and trailing implement, wherein the guidance system is of the type where the implement is attached to a 3-point hitch mechanism that can be angularly oriented in a horizontal plane by extending one side relative to the other to change the angle of the cross bar relative to the drive axle of the tractor. An alternate embodiment operates with an implement that is attached with a single pull hitch. The system includes circuitry which provides for warning of improper operation and delay means for sounding a warning, provides correction of the position of the implement without over-shooting or hunting by the system. The system utilizes Hall effect sensors for determining the angular position of a wand and or either the implement tool bar or the hitch that is attached to the 3-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: A guidance system for an agricultural tractor includes a furrow feeler which depends from a horizontal shaft so that the shaft rotates about a horizontal axis aligned with the direction of draft. Misalignment causes rotation of the horizontal shaft, which through arms and switches causes an electric motor to turn in a first or second direction as is appropriate to cause the tractor to follow the furrow. The motor is connected by suitable transmission to a yieldable tire which engages the steering wheel of the tractor so that rotation of the tire from the motor will cause the tractor to be steered from the steering wheel. A gauge wheel forms a track furrow so that in future operations, the tractor follows the precise path as before.

Abstract: An agricultural implement guidance control system has a wand sensor housing which contains a vertical shaft attached to the wand bracket and thus to the sensing wands. Affixed to the shaft is a photoelectric light source which projects a beam of light at a pair of photoelectric sensors. The photoelecltric sensors are mounted on a printed circuit board which is mounted to a slide plate. The slide plate is supported by slide supports and the slide supports have grooves in which the edges of the slide plates are positioned. The slide plate is able to slide left or right inside the grooves. An adjustment screw threadably engages a flange on the slide plate. The rotation of the adjustment screw causes the adjustable positioning of the slide plate to the left or right depending upon the rotation of the screw. Calibration of the guidance system with respect to the position of the sensing wands is accomplished by selective rotation of the adjustment screw.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus in which a depending vacuum housing (10) is attached to as vacuum header (12) and includes a lower open end (16) spaced above the ground line. A sensing means (32) is located at the bottom of the housing to locate a plant to be saved raised off the ground by the vacuum. A pair of vacuum air control flaps (44) close off a pair of air slots (34) or coact with each other to close off the housing to the vacuum. When a plant is identified and located the vacuum is shut off by the flaps (44) and a cutter device (60) with blades (63) cuts across the row ahead of the saved plant to create a clear area. After the cutter has created the clear area the cutter halts and within a predetermined time the vacuum is turned on again by opening the flaps to raise the next incoming plant to be saved.

Abstract: A guidance system for an agricultural implement pulled by a tractor is disclosed. The implement, such as a cultivator or planter, has ground-engaging discs mounted to a frame or toolbar and includes a control hitch mounted to the conventional three-point tractor hitch. The toolbar of the implement is mounted to the control hitch for rotation about a vertical axis. A first sensing device senses the position of the implement relative to a desired lateral position, such as the distance from a crop row, and generates a signal representative of the displacement of the implement from that desired lateral position. The sensing device actuates a hydraulic circuit to turn the implement toolbar toward the desired position; and the discs steer the implement toward the desired lateral position. A second sensing device senses the angular position of the implement relative to the control hitch.