Patent classifications
A01B63/023
System for connecting implement to mobile machinery
A system is suitable for connecting multiple implements to a three-point hitch of mobile machinery for controllable side-shifting movement of the connected implements. The system comprises first, second and third apparatuses, each apparatus comprising a first framework, a slidable second framework laterally slideable relative to the first framework, at least one connector supported by the slidable second framework for connecting the slidable second framework to one of the implements, and at least one driver connected to the first framework and the slidable second framework for driving the slidable second framework laterally back and forth relative to the first framework. The second apparatus is attached to one side of the first apparatus and the third apparatus is attached to the other side of the first apparatus.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE CHASSIS HEIGHT OF A MACHINE
A chassis-height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering a chassis relative to a ground surface includes a plurality of support assemblies supporting a chassis on respective ground-engaging elements. Each support assembly has a height adjustment actuator. Each height position sensor senses an adjustment position one of the height adjustment actuators and generates a height signal. Each of the support assemblies may be mounted to the chassis by a track-width adjustment mechanism having a track-width adjustment actuator. The height adjustment system is controlled in a manner to synchronize each height adjustment actuator with the other actuators. Adjustment of one or more height adjustment actuators is slowed or stopped in the event that other actuators need to catch up. The track-width adjustment actuators may shift the position of the associated ground-engaging element laterally relative to the chassis to keep the ground-engaging elements from sliding laterally as the chassis height changes.
Automatic target recognition and management system
An apparatus for controlling weeds, which includes a tine formation adapted to remove or disrupt targeted weeds, and a tine support assembly adapted to support the tine for movement about a first control axis in a generally vertical direction between an engaged position wherein the tine formation in use contacts a ground surface for removal or disruption of targeted weeds and a disengaged position wherein the tine formation is substantially retracted from the ground surface. The tine support assembly is further adapted to support the tine for movement about a second control axis in a generally horizontal direction. The tine support assembly further includes a first actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the first control axis, and a second actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the second control axis. The apparatus also includes a sensing system for sensing aspects of an environment and generating data indicative thereof, and a classification system for identifying target weeds within the environment on the basis of the data from the sensing system. A control system is adapted to activate the first and second actuation mechanisms of the tine support assembly in accordance with a predetermined control logic thereby sequentially to position the tine for disruptive contact with the targeted weeds.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL TERRAIN MAPPING
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
Skid-mounted movable boom cradles for an agricultural product sprayer
An apparatus and method are provided for removably mounting an agricultural product sprayer, having at least one foldable boom, on an agricultural product applicator having a chassis adapted for removably receiving the agricultural product sprayer, by attaching the foldable boom to a skid adapted for operative, removable mounting on the applicator chassis. The skid further has a boom cradle adapted for supporting the foldable boom in a folded position when the skid is mounted on the chassis, and when the skid is separated from the chassis of the agricultural applicator. The boom cradle is selectively movable between an inboard and an outboard position of the cradle to facilitate operation of the product applicator, and also to facilitate mounting the sprayer on, and removing the sprayer from the chassis of the applicator.
Self-Propelled Agricultural Machine
The invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine, for example a self-propelled merger, which self-propelled agricultural machine is provided with at least one motor, at least two elongate units for, in use, performing an agricultural operation on the land, a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle situated at a distance from the front wheel axle, wherein the front wheel axle and/or the rear wheel axle can be driven by means of the motor for displacing the agricultural machine, wherein each elongate unit is displaceable from a transportation position to a working position and vice versa by means of a folding mechanism, so that the maximum width of the self-propelled agricultural machine is smaller in the transportation position of the units than in the working position of the units, wherein, in the working position, the agricultural operation on the land can be performed substantially along the length of each elongate unit.
GROUND VEHICLE MOUNTABLE, MANUALLY CONTROLLED OBJECT PICKER SYSTEM AND METHOD
An object-collection system is disclosed. The system includes a mechanical arm assembly, a receptacle, an end-effector, and a user input device. The mechanical arm assembly has multiple degrees of freedom and is configured to pick up small objects off of the ground surface. The receptacle holds small objects that are picked up by the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector is positioned at a proximal end of the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector grasps and acquires small objects from the ground surface. The user input device provides operator control input from an operator on the ground vehicle to actuate the multiple degrees of freedom of the mechanical arm assembly and to actuate the end-effector. The user input signals from the user input device control electric or hydraulic actuators in the object collection system.
SOIL CULTIVATOR
A soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants includes a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction, and at least one soil processing unit attached to the frame. The at least one soil control unit includes a deformable sub-frame made of an elastic material. The soil cultivator further comprises a first adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one first connecting element, and a second adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one second connecting element. At least one adjusting unit is provided for carrying out a movement of the first and the second adjusting means, such that the deformable sub-frame is elastically deformable by the movement of the first and the second adjusting means such that the extent of the deformable sub-frame changes transversely to the traveling direction.
PREDICTING TERRAIN TRAVERSABILITY FOR A VEHICLE
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
System and method for controlling an implement connected to a vehicle
A system and method for controlling an agricultural implement connected to a vehicle. An actuator is arranged to control a lateral position of the implement with respect to the vehicle, also influencing the vertical angle of the implement. A camera mounted on the implement is connected to an image processing system which is adapted to derive the position of at least one row of plants in an image provided by the camera. An implement control unit controls the actuator to move the implement to a desired position based upon the derived position of the at least one row of plants, and a compensation arrangement compensates for the rotation of the camera around the vertical axis caused by the actuator based on the position of the actuator.