Control apparatus and method
AssigneeOxbo International Corporation
InventorsGreg T. Berg, Andrew J. Talbott, Christopher M. Schloesser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A programmable viticulture management system includes a mechanized device for removing excess undesired portions of plants advances through a vineyard to perform control operations on two rows or half-rows of grape vines simultaneously. Accessories mount to the mechanized device and include various engagement members for engaging the vines. A control system automatically varies the velocity of the engagement members in relation to the vehicle speed. The control system also receives various inputs and provides information on multiple growth control practices.
Claims11
A vineyard management system, comprising:
- a vineyard mechanized vehicle having one or more different interchangeable accessories for removing portions of plants;
- a programmable controller providing control parameters for operating the different interchangeable accessories, the programmable controller including memory for recording one or more of the inputs and operation characteristics and is downloadable to a portable digital device, wherein the control parameters comprise operational and vehicle configuration parameters based on:
- an input for accessory type;
- an input for number of accessory striking members;
- and
- an input for portion of plants to remove.
A vineyard management system, comprising:
- a vineyard mechanized vehicle having one or more different interchangeable accessories for removing portions of plants;
- a programmable controller providing control parameters for operating the different interchangeable accessories, wherein the control parameters comprise operational and vehicle configuration parameters based on:
- an input for accessory type;
- an input for number of accessory striking members;
- and
- an input for portion of plants to remove;
- wherein the controller records and retrieves vineyard historical data and sets rates using the historical data.
A vineyard management system, comprising:
- a vineyard mechanized vehicle having one or more different interchangeable accessories for removing portions of plants;
- a programmable controller providing control parameters for operating the different interchangeable accessories, wherein the control parameters comprise operational and vehicle configuration parameters based on:
- an input for accessory type;
- an input for number of accessory striking members;
- and
- an input for portion of plants to remove;
- wherein the controller further receives sampling data and sets rates using the sampling data.
A vineyard management system, comprising:
- a vineyard mechanized vehicle having one or more different interchangeable accessories for removing portions of plants;
- a weighing system providing an input with data on thinning operations;
- a programmable controller providing control parameters for operating the different interchangeable accessories, wherein the control parameters comprise operational and vehicle configuration parameters based on:
- an input for accessory type;
- an input for number of accessory striking members;
- and
- an input for portion of plants to remove.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.