Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine along a first slot in a work surface includes a machine position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an elevation difference between each pair of laterally aligned positions of the first slot and a second adjacent slot, generate a first propulsion command to operate the machine according to a first propulsion mode while the machine is disposed along the first slot adjacent each pair of laterally aligned positions at which the elevation difference is less than a slot elevation difference threshold, and generate a second propulsion command to operate the machine according to a second propulsion mode while the machine is disposed along the first slot adjacent each pair of laterally aligned positions at which the elevation difference is greater than the slot elevation difference threshold.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a position of a work surface along a first slot and along a second slot. The work surface along the first slot and the second slot define at least a portion of a berm. The controller is further configured to determine a physical characteristic of the first slot and the second slot and generate a berm reduction command if the physical characteristic of the first slot and the second slot is less than the characteristic threshold of the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: An earth excavating apparatus is disclosed as operable to loosen earthen material and expel the loosened earthen material away from the apparatus. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a rotatable drum partially disposed within a housing and having a plurality teeth thereon adapted to loosen earth and direct the loosened earth into the housing as the drum rotates. A discharge fan is further disposed within the housing and is operable to expel the loosened earthen material from within the housing away from the apparatus. The apparatus may be towed by a vehicle and the rotatable drum is adjustable between a vertical transport position and an excavating position of approximately 45 degrees below horizontal. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus includes the drum/fan arrangement of the first embodiment adjustably mounted to a boom arrangement. The drum/fan arrangement may be adjustably positioned on the boom between a transport position and a variety of excavating positions.

Abstract: This is a machine for forming V-ditches for the irrigation of soil. The machine consists of a central frame with a two wheel carriage and plows of subassemblies. Each plow consists of a right subassembly and a left subassembly universally connected to the right and left sides respectively of the central frame. Each plow forms an acute horizontal angle with the central frame. The acute angle is fixed by the use of chains, having one part adjacent to an end attached to the central frame and another part of the chain adjacent to the opposite end, attached to the extended end of the subassembly. Each subassembly contains concavo-convex rotatable discs mounted parallel to each other on a common axle. The discs are assembled so that the concave side of the discs penetrate the soil when the machine is moved forward by a suitable draft device.