Patent ID: 8655559
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: A01B,A01M,G05D

Abstract:
1. A method for improving agricultural spray accuracy in crosswinds comprising: providing a desired spray path for a spray apparatus; estimating a tractor path by adjusting the spray path upwind by an offset that is a function of: predicted wind speed and direction according to a local weather forecast, and empirical wind offset data pertaining to the spray apparatus; estimating true wind speed and direction on the tractor path from: apparent wind speed and direction measurements obtained onboard a tractor, and tractor speed and direction; and, guiding the tractor along the tractor path with an autopilot such that the spray apparatus sprays an agricultural chemical along the desired spray path, the autopilot compensating for differences between: the true wind speed and direction, and the predicted wind speed and direction.