Abstract: A method of testing a machine includes a step of establishing a communication link between a test system and a control system of the machine. An interactive test script is executed on the test system, and includes a communication of a first operator initiated machine task to an operator. After performance of the first operator initiated machine task is confirmed, the test system monitors for a predetermined condition. Once the predetermined condition is detected, a machine test is performed. A second operator initiated machine task is communicated after the machine test is performed.

Abstract: A control-mode switching device includes: a plurality of actuators (2, 6, 7) that conduct different movement; driving means (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) that drive the actuators; a plurality of control levers (22a-22c) that command operation of the driving means; a plurality of limit switches (72a-72e) that detect arrival of the control levers to the proximity of an end of a control range; a mode judging means (controller 23) that judges whether a priority operation mode is taken or not in accordance with a combination of on/off conditions of the limit switches; and a drive controlling means (controller 23) that, when it is judged by the mode judging means that the priority operation mode is taken, controls the driving means so that an output of selected one or more of the driving means becomes larger than that in a normal mode or the power ratio as compared with the other driving means becomes larger.

Abstract: An integrated management system having at least one air conditioner group including a plurality of air conditioners, and a remote integrated management system connected to the at least one air conditioner group and configured to analyze operation state information related to the plurality of air conditioners in the at least one air conditioner group and to generate an alarm signal based on the analyzed operation state information.

Abstract: A control system for a combine harvester having a crop processing system with a control panel for enabling an operator of the combine harvester to set a plurality of operating parameters of the crop processing system that affect the harvesting performance, and a plurality of sensors for determining prevailing values of crop quality parameters. The control system includes a data processor having a display for communicating information visually to the operator and acts to determine when a crop quality parameter exceeds an unacceptability threshold. Following such determination, the control system displays to the operator an operating parameter of which adjustment is recommended in order to restore the crop quality parameter to an acceptable value. The recommended operating parameter is derived from data stored in a look-up table within the data processor.

Abstract: A work vehicle that includes a boom; a boom actuator connected to the boom, the boom actuator being adapted to controllably move the boom about a boom pivot in response to receiving a boom control signal; and a controller having computational and time-keeping capabilities. The controller communicates with the boom actuator, and calculates the boom velocity, compares the calculated velocity to a commanded velocity to obtain a velocity error, and, if necessary, de-rates the tractive effort of the wheels to prevent the boom from stalling. The controller also determines if the operator is actuating the boom, and reads the boom position to calculate the boom velocity based upon the current boom position and a previous boom position. The controller uses a predefined algorithm to de-rate the tractive effort of the wheels as a function of the power train configuration.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image input section configured to input still image data; a number-of-pixel converter configured to perform number-of-pixel conversion on the still image data; a display image generator configured to generate a scroll display image as output image data to be output to an image display section on the basis of the image data whose number of pixels has been converted, the image data being generated by the number-of-pixel converter; and a controller configured to control the number-of-pixel conversion process and the display image generation process. The number-of-pixel converter includes a spatial thinning processor for performing a spatial thinning process in accordance with the amount of spatial thinning. The display image generator generates a scroll display image on the basis of a frame image.

Abstract: The process and device for controlling at least one operating condition parameter (54) of working parts (45) of a combine harvester (1) has at least one sensing device (36, 40) for monitoring a crop tailings stream (31) and for generating a grain tailings signal (X) and a tailings flow rate signal (Y) for control of the operating condition parameters (54), such as blower speed, upper sieve mesh, lower sieve mesh, so that changes in the crop harvesting conditions can be reacted to rapidly and efficiently. The device includes an evaluating and display unit (39), which includes a controller (53) for automatically controlling operating condition parameters or for displaying control information produced by control algorithms (56 to 58), so that the operating condition parameters can be optimized according to the grain tailings signal (X) and tailings flow rate signal (Y).

Abstract: A fill tube and sensor assembly has a single electronic sensor to detect the level of product in a hopper of an agricultural implement relative to a fill line. The electronic sensor can be positioned at various heights relative to the fill tube to provide variability in the height of the fill line. The sensor provides a full level signal until product is drawn from the fill tube. Once the product is dispensed from the fill tube and into the general interior volume of the hopper, the single sensor provides an empty level signal that can be used to alert an operator of a diminished product supply or control operation of the farm implement.

Abstract: A stall detection system for mower blade clutch engagement determines if there is a stall condition by sensing one or more operating conditions such as engine deceleration or blade spindle rotation. If a stall condition is detected, a microcontroller shuts off actuating current to the electric clutch coil and automatically disengages or discontinues engagement of the clutch. The microcontroller may also provide a signal to inform the operator of the stall condition, and prevent repeated activation of the clutch until the stall condition is corrected.

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and d

Abstract: A method for determining a steady state operating condition of a machine includes determining whether a current machine speed of the machine is within a defined range of operation, determining whether a step change in output power of the machine has occurred, determining a first duration of time elapsed since the machine speed was last outside of the defined range of operation, and determining a second duration of time elapsed since a most recent detected step change in output power of the machine. The machine is deemed to be in a steady state condition whenever the current machine speed of the machine is within said defined range of operation, and the first and second durations of time exceed respective minimum values defined therefor.

Abstract: An output monitoring system and method for an air transport material delivery system that directs dry material entrained in pressurized air out of delivery tubes and against an inner surface of deflectors for even distribution. The output monitoring system has a plurality of sensors respectively affixed to the deflectors on the outer side thereof so as not to be directly contacted by the stream of air and dry material impacting the inner side. Each sensor generates a voltage which is indicative of the flowing or clogged condition of its corresponding delivery tube. This status information is dynamically provided to a display unit where it can be readily monitored by the operator of the air transport material delivery system during operation thereof to ensure that the delivery tubes are not blocked or, if a blockage occurs, that operation of the air transport material delivery system is suspended until the blockage is removed.

Abstract: The agricultural machine has at least one energy producer (19); at least one energy storage device; at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) driven by the at least one energy producer (19) and at least one electric drive unit (20) associated with the at least one energy producer (19). The at least one electric drive unit (20) controls the energy supply of the at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) according to energy requirements of the at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) since it supplies energy to or takes it from the at least one energy storage device (29) as needed.

Abstract: A method of providing information from a plurality of fleet machines located at a plurality of locations for purposes of permitting a manager of fleet equipment to make management decisions pertaining to a fleet comprised of such equipment, monitoring functional operational data from individual machines in a fleet of machines, conveying the monitored data to a remote server, converting the monitored data into a first group pertaining to current existing operational data, and into a second group comprised of past historical data, and transmitting by wireless means to a person having responsibility for the fleet information at least one of the groups of data.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for using low cost, passive RF sensor technology such as RFID tags, to determine whether containers or other objects are in a right-side-up orientation. A useful embodiment of the invention is directed to sensor apparatus for use in detecting an improper orientation of a conventional box or container with respect to a substantially horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a structure having two sides formed of plastic in spaced apart relationship, to define an enclosed space within the structure. Selected shielding material attached to the structure shields a specified region of the enclosed space against RF signals, the shielded region being located in the lowest portion of the enclosed space when the structure is in a reference orientation with respect to the horizontal surface. An RFID tag embedded in a disk is positioned in the enclosed space, the disk being sized to move freely within the space.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ascertaining the quantity of the tailings (39), output into a tailing augur (46) of a combine (1) and composed of grains (35) and non-grain components, in which the quantity of the tailings (39) is displayed by means of generating grain stream signals (X) and crop stream signals (Y, Z), and the quantity of the tailings (39) is detected in a cleaning system (18), assigned to the combine (1), or in a portion of the cleaning system (18), so that the quantity of the crop harvested (39) is relatively precisely ascertained and conclusively displayed in a simple way.

Abstract: A method of measuring the quantity of wrap remaining on a round baler supply roll uses the existing wrap measuring apparatus of a round baler. An on-board microprocessor is programmed to calculate the minimum amount of wrap required for each bale, subtract the amount of wrap used to wrap a bale from the amount of wrap on the supply roll before wrapping the bale, and signal the operator if the amount on the roll is insufficient to wrap a bale. The microprocessor can also be programmed to signal the operator if the amount of wrap on the roll is insufficient to wrap a number of bales specified by the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle-trailer back-up control system that employs an active front steer sub-system. The system includes a smart hitch controller that receives a vehicle speed signal and a hand-wheel angle signal, and calculates a hitch angle command signal. The system further includes a hitch angle sensor that measures the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer that is compared to the hitch angle command signal to generate a hitch angle error signal. A PID control unit receives the hitch angle error signal, and generates a corrected road wheel angle signal based on proportional and derivative gains. The corrected road wheel angle signal is used to generate a motor angle signal that is applied to a steering actuator to be combined with the steering angle signal to generate the front wheel steering signal during a back-up maneuver.

Abstract: A conveyor has a metal detecting device for detecting metal parts in a conveying product, a magnet arrangement for producing a measuring magnetic field through which the conveying product is movable, a sensor device for registration a change of the measuring magnetic field, a signal evaluating device for evaluating a signal outputted by the sensor device in case of a magnetic field change, to recognize a metal part in the conveying product, and an interference sensor device which in case of a registration of an interference event, which leads to a magnetic field change caused not by metal parts in the conveying product and registered by the sensing device, outputs a faulty triggering warning signal.

Abstract: A communication device is provided which is intended to aid farm workers in the coordination of harvesting and hauling vehicles in the field during crop harvesting operations. This communication device consists of a transmitter and receiver which are mounted at convenient points within the harvesting vehicle and produce hauling truck respectively. The receiver contains four lighted directional arrows representing directional changes of forwards, backwards, left, and right. The transmitter contains four buttons that correspond in location and function to the directional arrows on the receiver. Thus, when a button on the transmitter is depressed by the harvester operator, the corresponding directional arrow on the receiver will light up signaling the truck driver to make a change in the position of his truck relative to the harvester.

Abstract: An earth-moving vehicle includes a carriage, which can move on a terrain in mutually opposite directions of movement along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a station for driving and maneuvering, which is able to rotate with respect to the carriage about a vertical axis, houses a plurality of controls, and is oriented in a direction in which an operator is facing during maneuvering of the controls. The vehicle is further provided with a signaling device and with a control assembly, which activates the signaling device to warn, outside the station, when a direction of movement is actuated that is opposite to the direction of orientation of the station. The control assembly operates automatically according to the relative angular position of the station with respect to the carriage about the vertical axis and according to the command issued for the direction of movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position for work devices (41) of mobile machines (40). The inventive device comprises a measuring device (1,2) for measuring an angle (?) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device also comprises an angle transmitter (5) for predetermining an angle (??) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device further comprises a controller (3, 4, 6–16) for controlling the angle (?) between the level (42) of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g) in such a way that the measured angle (?) matches the predetermined angle (??).

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and d

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without a coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control signal system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on an estimated tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, a measured hitch angle, vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The estimated hitch angle is compared to the measured hitch angle to generate a hitch angle error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: An operation sensor for a wrap material dispensing system of a round baler. The operation sensor includes a rotatable member with which the wrap material is engaged, and which rotates along with the wrap material as the wrap material is fed to a wrap material feeding arrangement for introduction into the round baler. Rotation of the rotatable member is detected by a sensing arrangement, which is interconnected with a visual display for providing a user with a visual indication as to the rate of advancement of the wrap material.

Abstract: In a working vehicle which includes left and right traveling devices, a pair of hydraulic traveling motors are installed to drive the respective traveling devices, and a pair of hydraulic directional control valves are provided for the respective hydraulic traveling motors in order to control the traveling of the vehicle. A throttle valve is provided in a pilot oil-passage, and connected to a drain oil-passage after passing serially through the pair of hydraulic directional control valves below the throttle valve. A pressure switch for warning the traveling state is operated by a pilot hydraulic pressure which is pressure of oil within an oil-passage between the throttle valve and an upstream one of the left and right hydraulic directional control valves.

Abstract: A system controller reads first identification information from a semiconductor storage medium. The system controller causes an audio block to operate when a portion of the first identification information coincides with one of a whole and a portion of the second identification information stored in a non-volatile memory. The system controller stores another portion of the first identification information as a portion of the second identification information in the non-volatile memory. Even if a user adds the first identification information to the semiconductor storage medium, an onboard audio apparatus reads and stores an additional portion of the first identification information in the non-volatile memory. The first identification information added by the user is used for a next operation enable/disable determination for the audio block.

Abstract: A forage harvester represents agricultural implements that include at least one rotating component which is driven through a drive train including a main clutch operable between engaged and disengaged conditions so as to selectively couple and disconnect an output of the implement power source with the rotatable component. A rotation alarm circuit is provided for causing a warning device or devices to be energized in the event that the operator leaves a seat, in which he sits for normal operation, for a predetermined minimum time period while the rotatable component is still rotating, as determined by a rotation sensor. The warning device will remain energized until the rotatable component spins down to a zero speed.

Abstract: A method of providing information from a plurality of fleet machines located at a plurality of locations for purposes of permitting a manager of fleet equipment to make management decisions pertaining to a fleet comprised of such equipment, monitoring functional operational data from individual machines in a fleet of machines, conveying the monitored data to a remote server, converting the monitored data into a first group pertaining to current existing operational data, and into a second group comprised of past historical data, and transmitting by wirelss means to a person having responsibility for the fleet information at least one of the groups of data.

Abstract: A blockage monitor for detecting a blockage in flow of particles includes a sensor body for mounting on a wall of the seed duct and defining a front face flush with the duct surface carrying both an LED light source for projecting light into the interior of the duct and a phototransistor arranged to produce an output signal proportional to the intensity of reflected light received which increases as a seed passes. A separate blockage module counts the output and uses an algorithm for comparing the count with a calibration count to determine whether there is a blockage of the duct. A power voltage is supplied to each sensor using two wires. A test of the sensor includes a pulse in the power voltage so as to generate a corresponding but delayed pulse in the light from the light source.

Abstract: A lighting system for an off-road vehicle includes one or more exit lights that are activated upon operator demand and that are automatically deactivated a designated period of time after exit lights activation, thereby facilitating the operator's departure from the vehicle. The lighting system includes an electrical power source, at least one running light, at least one exit light, and a control system that is coupled to the power source and to the lights and that controls operation of the running light and the exit light. The control system includes a manually operated switch movable between (1) an OFF position in which neither the running light nor the exit light is coupled to the power source, (2) a running light activation position in which at least the running light is coupled to the power source, and (3) an exit light activation position.

Abstract: A forage harvester represents agricultural implements that include at least one rotating component which is driven through a drive train including a main clutch operable between engaged and disengaged conditions so as to selectively couple and disconnect an output of the implement power source with the rotatable component. A rotation alarm circuit is provided for causing a warning device or devices to be energized in the event that the operator leaves a seat, in which he sits for normal operation, for a predetermined minimum time period while the rotatable component is still rotating, as determined by a rotation sensor. The warning device will remain energized until the rotatable component spins down to a zero speed.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting and warning of the risk of shock and electrocution is provided. The alarm system is adapted for use with mobile construction equipment, e.g., cranes, trucks, etc., that can be used around overhead power transmission lines. The present alarm system has a sensor that detects the presence of outside power at the equipment where current is flowing therethrough to ground. The sensor preferably includes a conductor and an inductive sensor such as a current transformer which limits the output signal on its low side that is sent to an alarm unit. In this manner, the system herein continues to properly function despite the presence of large voltages at the equipment such as when the equipment contacts a high voltage power transmission line. The sensor can include a cable that provides a path of least resistance for current flowing through the equipment which can be detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an appropriate air flow in an air stream in an air seeder. A fan provides an air stream to carry agricultural materials for distribution across a width of a seeding implement. A tank contains a granular agricultural material and a metering device dispenses the material into the air stream. The system is calibrated such that a known weight of material is dispensed for each revolution of the metering device whereby the rotational speed of the metering device multiplied by the known weight per revolution results in a known per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed into the air stream. A microprocessor is programmed to derive an appropriate fan speed for the per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed and send a signal to a fan control to adjust the speed of the fan to correspond to the appropriate fan speed.

Abstract: An automatic vision guidance system for an agricultural vehicle is disclosed and described. The vision guidance system uses a K-means clustering algorithm in image processing to distinguish between crop and non-crop features. The vision guidance system utilizes moment algorithms to determine the location and orientation of crop rows, from which desired wheel angles are determined and steering is commanded. The vision guidance system may adjust the location and orientation of visually determined crop rows according to a predetermined distance between crop rows. Further, the vision guidance system may utilize a redundant number of regions of interest in determining crop row locations and orientations.

Abstract: A cab for a construction machine includes an operator's seat within a cab box. Consoles are provided on the left and right sides of the operator's seat, respectively, and a switch box is provided on an outer side of an operating lever of the right console. Provided on the switch box are a control dial for variably controlling rotational speed of an engine, a working mode selector switch, and a vehicle drive mode selector switch. An operator who is seated on the operator's seat can manipulate the switches on the switch box by stretching a right arm toward the operating lever and by blind touch.

Abstract: In the present invention, the distance from a predetermined point to the center of gravity of the load and a first portion of a work machine and the distance from that predetermined point to the center of gravity of the second portion of the work machine are compared, either singly or in a combination, to a predetermined value. Optionally, the articulation angle of the machine and weight and position of the load are combined with a vehicle weight value into a stability value and the stability value is compared to an alarm value. Should an instability condition be detected, an output signal is sent to an output device to alert the operator and/or affect the movement of the machine to prevent instability of the work machine.

Abstract: A non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor includes an electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic energy detector in communication with the interior volume of a measuring region through which an analyte passes. The electromagnetic energy detector detects the signal variations of the electromagnetic energy within the measuring region caused by the perturbation of the electromagnetic energy field due to the passage of the analyte therethrough and responds to these signal variations by generating output signals. These output signals may then be received by electronic circuitry designed for quantitative and/or qualitative detection of the flow of various substances including individual particles, particles flowing as a continuum, and non-turbulent fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, in particular a combine harvester and thresher, which is comprised of component devices (1-N) with associated microprocessors (M1-MN), of which at least one is a control station processor (M1) with a control keypad (TA) and a screen (V), which microprocessors are connected to measurement, actuation members of the respective component devices (1-N) and regarding this, process data that appears in the component device (1-N) in a controlling and/or regulating manner, or in a manner which displays it, wherein these microprocessors (M1-MN) are connected syndetically to a standard communications bus (B) via conventional interface circuits (SS) and via these circuits, continuously transmit operating data with an identifier, which is specific to the operating data, wherein in the individual microprocessors (M1-MN), the identifiers of these kinds of operating data, which are to be received, are stored in a table as a one in bit configuration and are accessed with the identifier at the bit posi

Abstract: A metal detecting device for a crop conveyor has several closely spaced permanent magnets fixed within a hollow feed-roller in parallel with the shaft thereof. One pole of each magnet is directed radially outwardly such that its magnetic field penetrates through the hollow feed-roller and an adjoining crop-feed slot from inside to out, and wherein said magnetic field also passes axially through a respective sensor winding that is likewise arranged within the hollow feed-roller.

Abstract: A non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor which generates output signals upon the quantitative and/or qualitative detection of the flow of various substances including solid particles flowing as discrete individual particles or as a continuum, as well as the flow of liquids and/or gaseous substances. The non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor may be interfaced with various types of electronic circuitry whereby the generated output signals may be used for monitoring a variety of flowing substances, for example, seed flow in an agricultural planter, crop yield on a combine harvester, and flow rates of liquids or gaseous fluids through conduits. The sensor comprises a housing having wall members defining a chamber having an interior volume. The sensor is designed to be interposed along a length of conduit through which the material or substance to be analyzed will pass. An electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic energy detector are in communication with the interior volume of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism. The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: A setting device for a front control system for a construction machine includes a direct setting switch for instructing a direct teaching setting, a numeral input key consisting of up- and down-keys for instructing a numeral input setting, a setting changeover switch for changing over a setting mode from the direct teaching setting to the numeral input setting, an LED lighting up when the setting changeover switch is pushed, an area limiting switch for starting an area limiting excavation control, an LED lighting up when the area limiting switch is pushed, and a display screen for indicating the position of a bucket end of a front device in terms of a numeral value when the setting changeover switch is not pushed, and indicating the numeral value input with the numeral input with the numeral input setting when the setting changeover switch is pushed.

Abstract: A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement includes a frame with one or more sections. Each section supports a plurality of row units configured to apply a product at variable rates to rows in a field. The products can include seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. In one configuration, the control system monitors the rates at which the product is applied to the rows. This configuration of the control system includes sensors configured to sense the rates at which product is applied, and a control module configured to monitor the sensed rates and generate a multiplexed output signal representative thereof. The output signal is used, for example, by a cab-mounted display or recording device. The control system, however, can be reconfigured to both monitor and control the application rates by installing a second control module on the frame.

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: An infinitely adjustable position sensor is provided. The position sensor can be used as a head position switch which generates an output indicative of a position of a harvesting head of a harvesting vehicle, or in similar applications with other types of equipment. The sensor includes a body attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the body of the vehicle or other equipment, and a head attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the feeder house which supports the harvesting head. For adjustment of the sensor, particularly prior to operation, visual feedback is provided by an LED ring in order to inform the operator of the state or position of the sensor.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, especially a combine harvester and thresher, which consists of component devices (1-N) with associated microprocessors (M1-MN), of which at least one is a control station processor (M1) with a control keypad (TA) and a screen (V), which microprocessors are connected to measurement, actuation members of the respective component devices (1-N) and regarding this, process data that appears in the component device (1-N) in a controlling or regulating manner, or in a manner which displays it, wherein these microprocessors (M1-MN) are connected syndetically to a standard communications bus (B) via conventional interface circuits (SS) and via these circuits, continuously transmit operating data with an identifier, which is specific to the operating data, wherein in the individual microprocessors (M1-MN), the identifiers of these kinds of operating data, which are to be received, are stored in a table as a one in a bit configuration and are accessed with the identifier at the bit positions of

Abstract: A flow monitoring system for a particulate feeder having first and second metering devices that meter particulate material from first and second bins, respectively, to a material flow tube, includes a first sensor supported and configured to generate a first flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the first metering device; a second sensor supported and configured to generate a second flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the second metering device; a third sensor supported adjacent the first bin and configured to generate a first fill signal indicating a level of particulate material within the first bin; a fourth sensor configured to generate a second fill signal indicating the level of particulate material within the second bin; a controller coupled to a first, second, third and fourth sensors and configured to generate a first alarm signal in response to receiving the first flow signal and a second alarm signal in response to receiving a second

Abstract: A swathing guidance display for accurately guiding and navigating an agricultural product application vehicle is described. The invention aids in precision guidance of the application of agricultural products such as fertilizers and herbicides to reduce application overlap. The invention further provides assistance in planting operations without requiring the use of traditional markers, provides parallel swath guidance of an agricultural product application vehicle, and provides an apparatus which providing a vector for navigating an agricultural product application vehicle to a desired application location. The swathing guidance device includes a circular display having a plurality of illuminating radial vectors to indicate the direction of the desired course and course correction. Both guidance and navigational functions are provided.