Autonomous robotic agricultural machine and system thereof
First Claim
1. An autonomously robotic machine for performing one or more agricultural operations, comprising:
- a frame having a length and an adjustable width;
a plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms coupled to the frame for propelling the machine in a direction of travel;
a controller for autonomously controlling the machine;
a position sensor coupled to the frame and disposed in electrical communication with the controller, the position sensor detecting a width of the frame;
an actuator electrically coupled to the generator and the controller;
a power unit including a power-generating device and a generator, the power-generating device being mounted to the frame for producing mechanical power and the generator being coupled to the power-generating device to receive at least a portion of the mechanical power and produce electrical power; and
a docking assembly coupled to the frame, the docking assembly including at least one coupler configured to couple to any of a plurality of agricultural implements;
wherein, the controller operably controls the actuator for adjusting the frame width in response to a width of an implement selected from the plurality of agricultural implements for coupling to the docking assembly;
wherein the docking assembly is coupled to the power unit and is configured to power any of the plurality of agricultural implements when coupled to the docking assembly;
further wherein, the at least one coupler is positioned at least partially beneath the frame and between the ground engaging mechanisms.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An autonomously robotic machine for performing one or more agricultural operations. The machine includes a frame having a length and an adjustable width. A plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms are coupled to the frame for propelling the machine in a direction of travel. The machine includes a controller, a power-generating device, and a generator. The controller controls the machine, and the generator receives mechanical power from the power-generating device and produces electrical power. A docking assembly is coupled to the frame. The docking assembly includes a power unit and at least one coupler for coupling to any one of a plurality of agricultural implements.
18 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An autonomously robotic machine for performing one or more agricultural operations, comprising:
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a frame having a length and an adjustable width; a plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms coupled to the frame for propelling the machine in a direction of travel; a controller for autonomously controlling the machine; a position sensor coupled to the frame and disposed in electrical communication with the controller, the position sensor detecting a width of the frame;
an actuator electrically coupled to the generator and the controller;a power unit including a power-generating device and a generator, the power-generating device being mounted to the frame for producing mechanical power and the generator being coupled to the power-generating device to receive at least a portion of the mechanical power and produce electrical power; and a docking assembly coupled to the frame, the docking assembly including at least one coupler configured to couple to any of a plurality of agricultural implements; wherein, the controller operably controls the actuator for adjusting the frame width in response to a width of an implement selected from the plurality of agricultural implements for coupling to the docking assembly; wherein the docking assembly is coupled to the power unit and is configured to power any of the plurality of agricultural implements when coupled to the docking assembly; further wherein, the at least one coupler is positioned at least partially beneath the frame and between the ground engaging mechanisms. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An agricultural system for performing an agricultural operation, comprising:
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an autonomous robotic machine including a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms coupled to the frame, a controller, a power-generating device mounted to the frame for producing mechanical power, a generator coupled to the power-generating device, and a docking assembly coupled to a bottom portion of the frame between the plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms, wherein the docking assembly includes a power unit and at least one coupler; a control unit located remotely from the machine, the control unit being in electrical communication with the controller to communicate an instruction thereto; a position sensor coupled to the frame and disposed in electrical communication with the controller, the position sensor detecting a height or width of the frame;
an actuator electrically coupled to the generator and the controller;a docking station for coupling to the docking assembly, the docking station configured to store one or more of fuel, water, and electrical power; and a plurality of sensors positioned on the machine, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is electrically coupled to the controller; wherein, the controller operably controls the actuator for adjusting the height or width of the frame in response to a width of an implement selected from the plurality of agricultural implements for coupling to the docking assembly and performing the agricultural operation; wherein, the controller receives the instruction from the control unit, and the controller operably controls the machine based on the instruction to perform an agricultural operation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of controlling an autonomously robotic machine to perform an agricultural operation, comprising:
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providing an autonomous robotic machine including a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms, a controller, a power-generating device for producing mechanical power, a generator coupled to the power-generating device and producing electrical power, and a docking assembly coupled to the frame between the plurality of ground engaging mechanisms, the docking assembly including a power unit; receiving an instruction from a control unit located remotely from the machine, the instruction commanding the controller to perform at least one agricultural operation with at least one of a plurality of agricultural implements at a location in a work area, where the instruction identifies the at least one agricultural implement; executing the instruction to maneuver the machine to an implement storage area so that the docking assembly is in position at least partially above the at least one agricultural implement identified in the instruction; controlling a width or height of the frame based on the instruction in response to a width or height of the at least one agricultural implement; coupling the docking assembly to the at least one agricultural implement; adjusting the height and width of the frame to a transport position; operably controlling the machine to move to the location in the work area; adjusting the height and width of the frame to a work position based on the instruction; and performing the agricultural operation with the at least one agricultural implement in the work area. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification