Abstract: An injection mixing apparatus is provided for use with a spraying system carried on a mobile vehicle of the type including a spray bar, a carrier reservoir for holding a supply of a liquid carrier medium, a main pump interposed between the carrier reservoir and the spray bar, a flow control valve interposed between the main pump and the spray bar, a ground speed sensor for developing a ground speed signal corresponding to the speed of the vehicle, a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure across the spray bar and developing a corresponding pressure signal and a supply of chemical agent to be mixed with the carrier at a desired concentration for delivery at the spray bar. The injection mixing apparatus comprises at least one injection control loop with an injection pump coupled intermediate the supply and the main pump for injecting the chemical agent into the carrier ahead of the main pump, and an injection controller for controlling the injection pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a liquid-vapor change of phase in a fluid substance traveling through a conduit comprises a detector housing providing a path of travel for fluid and interposed in a portion of the fluid-carrying conduit in which the change of phase is to be detected, a source of radiation disposed for directing radiation into the path of travel and a detector for detecting radiation disposed generally at an opposite side of the path of travel from the said source. The arrangement is such that radiation from the source will pass through the fluid in the path of travel prior to reaching the detector. The detector is responsive to radiation detected thereat for producing a corresponding electrical signal. A detector circuit is responsive to the electrical signal produced by said detector for producing an output signal indicative of a liquid-vapor change of phase of the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A joystick controller apparatus comprises a lever mounted for pivotal motion in at least two directions, a guide defining a preselected shift pattern for the lever, and an indicating arrangement for producing a digital logic representation of the position of the lever relative to the shift pattern. The indicating arrangement comprises energy actuated members positioned at predetermined locations relative to the shift pattern, energy producing members positioned in registry with the energy actuated members for normally actuating the same and shield members interposed between the energy producing members and energy actuated members and movable in response to movement of the lever into positions for respectively permitting and preventing actuation of the energy actuated members by the energy producing members in a predetermined fashion such that said energy actuated members collectively form a representation of the location of the lever relative to the shift pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a plurality of functions and conditions of a machine which includes a plurality of sensors for producing sensor signals corresponding to these functions and conditions. The monitoring method comprises providing at least one monitoring module having a plurality of inputs, each for receiving a selected one of the sensor signals. The module also has a processor responsive to the sensor signals at the inputs for producing display signals corresponding to the associated functions and conditions, a display responsive to the display signals for producing observable indications of the corresponding functions and conditions, and a memory for storing data and instructions for enabling the processor to respond to the sensor signals from any of the sensors for monitoring any of the corresponding functions and conditions. The method proceeds by programming the memory with data and instructions for monitoring the plurality of functions and conditions of the machine.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system is provided for a mobile material distribution apparatus wherein the rate of material distribution per unit of area varies as a predetermined function of the ground speed of the mobile apparatus and of the rate of operation of a variable rate delivery structure for delivering material at a controllable rate to material a distribution structure for distributing the material along the path of travel of the mobile apparatus. The monitoring and control system comprises a ground speed sensor for developing a ground speed signal corresponding to the ground speed of the mobile apparatus and a delivery rate sensor for developing a delivery rate signal corresponding to a rate of delivery of material by the variable rate delivery structure.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting a flow of material along a given path of travel by detecting a change in the dielectric properties of a portion of the path of travel as the material passes therethrough comprises one or more conductive, plate-like electrodes disposed adjacent the path of travel and generally defining a capacitor having the adjacent portion of the path of travel as a dielectric portion, such that the passage of material to be detected changes the dielectric constant, thereby changing the capacitance. A sensor circuit comprises a tuned circuit having the sensor electrode or electrodes being coupled in circuit therewith. The sensing circuit further comprises an oscillator circuit driving the tuned circuit at a predetermined frequency selected near the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit in the absence of material to be detected.

Abstract: A positive-positioning knob assembly comprises a knob body having a substantially hollow interior portion and a pinion member fixed against rotation relative to a panel, through which panel extends a shaft to be rotated by the knob assembly. Cooperating selectively interengageable and disengageable locking members are located on the pinion member and the hollow body interior respectively for alternatively permitting the body to rotate freely of the pinion member when the locking members are in a disengaged condition, and for locking the body non-rotatably relative to the pinion when the locking members are in an engaged condition. A resilient biasing member normally holds the locking members in the engaged condition to prevent rotation of the know body; however, the resilient biasing member is resiliently deformable for permitting the locking members to move to the disengaged condition to permit rotation of the knob body.

Abstract: A vibration isolation and EMI/RFI shielded enclosure for a horn antenna comprises an elongate hollow housing of sufficient dimensions to receive the horn antenna therewithin. Respective front and rear vibration isolation mounting assemblies have inner mounting portions coupled with the horn antenna and outer mounting portions coupled with the housing and resilient vibration damping members coupled intermediate the inner and outer mounting portions. Preferably, an EMI/RFI shielded enclosure is also provided for enclosing electrical circuits associated with the horn antenna.

Abstract: A valve body comprises a substantially solid body defining a surface of complementary form for engaging a valve seat, and having a pivot axis about which it is rotatably mounted relative to a valve orifice. A periphery of the valve body surface defines at least first and second curvilinear surfaces having axes of curvature which extend substantially parallel with each other and with the pivot axis of the valve body. The axis of curvature of a first of said curvilinear surfaces is disposed inwardly of the first surface and within the periphery of the valve body; and the axis of curvature of the second of the curvilinear surfaces is disposed on the opposite side of the second curvilinear surface and outside of the periphery of the valve body. A remaining portion of the valve body surface defines a cross-sectional area at least as great as the cross-sectional area of the valve orifice for fully covering the same when in a valve closed position.

Abstract: A tracking, variable Q bandpass filtering method and apparatus are provided for processing an IF signal from a radar transceiver or the like. The method comprises developing a digital period signal corresponding to the period of each of selected cycles of the IF signal; subjecting the digital period signal to low pass filtering; and controlling the effective corner frequency of the low pass filtering in accordance with the amount of variation in the digital period signal from one selected cycle to a successive selected cycle for producing a filtered signal which substantially follows the digital period signal, thereby substantially simultaneously tracking and filtering the IF signal. The apparatus comprises apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method. Preferably, the apparatus also includes an output switching control for selectively delivering or withholding the filtered signal from an output utilization device.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus is provided for use with a moisture tester of the type wherein the moisture content of a sample is determined as a function of the change in capacitance of a sample-receiving test cell when a sample is present therein from the capacitance of said test cell when empty. The tester also includes a reference oscillator and a test cell oscillator in circuit with the test cell, and a variable capacitor coupled in circuit with the test cell and the oscillators for bringing respective outputs of the two oscillators into a balanced condition both with the test cell empty and with a sample present in the test cell. The variable capacitor comprises a fixed member and a movable member which is rotatable through 360 degrees relative to the fixed member.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for a seed sensor which includes a light source and a light responsive element respectively positioned along a path of travel of seeds for producing a momentary change in signal level from the light responsive element in response to a momentary change of level of light incident thereupon from the light source due to the passage of one or more seeds therebetween. In accordance with the invention, the circuit comprises a pulse-producing circuit responsive to the change in signal level from the light responsive element for producing a discrete pulse signal in response to each change in the direction of the change in signal level. Predetermined ones of the discrete pulse signals are selected for counting.

Abstract: A monitoring module is provided for monitoring a plurality of functions and conditions of a vehicle including a plurality of sensors for producing sensor signals in response to a plurality of vehicle functions and conditions. The monitoring module comprises a plurality of inputs each for receiving one of the sensor signals, the inputs being fewer in number than the vehicle functions and conditions to be monitored. The monitoring module also includes a processor responsive to the sensor signals from the inputs for producing display signals corresponding to the values of the respective functions and conditions. The monitoring module further includes a memory for storing data and instructions for enabling the processor to respond to any of the sensors for monitoring any of the vehicle functions and conditions. The monitoring module further includes a sensor identifying arrangement for producing signals to identify the particular sensors coupled to the inputs.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing a ground-meat sample for compositional analysis and an apparatus for performing the method are disclosed. The method comprises a series of steps. The first step includes obtaining a predetermined quantity of ground meat. Next, the meat is formed into a layer having a predetermined thickness. Then, a first portion of the layer is isolated from the remainder. The isolated first portion is then urged into an elongated, hollow member having an axis, an open end, and a resistive end movable along the axis relative to the open end. The isolated first portion and the resistive end are then urged together so as to produce a substantially air void-free isolate out of the first portion.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit is provided for a metal detector which includes a metal sensor for producing a sensor signal in response to the passage of a metallic object through a rotating apparatus and a tachometer for producing a tachometer signal at a frequency proportional to the rate of rotation of the rotating apparatus. In accordance with the invention, the monitoring circuit comprises an adjustable tracking filter responsive to a predetermined control signal for tracking the frequency of the sensor signal in a predetermined fashion and a control circuit responsive to the tachometer signal for producing the control signal.

Abstract: An improved control system for a mobile material distribution apparatus of the type having a ground speed sensor, a distributing device for spreading material along the path of travel of the apparatus, a variable rate delivery structure for delivering material to the distributing structure and a delivery rate sensor. The control system comprises a calculating circuit responsive to signals developed by the ground speed sensor and delivery rate sensor and to a signal corresponding to a desired distribution rate of material for periodically calculating the difference between the desired delivery rate and the actual delivery rate and developing a difference signal. A control signal is developed in response to each difference signal for varying the delivery rate of material to the distributing structure as necessary to achieve the desired material delivery rate.

Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for measuring the proportion of at least one constituent in a sample of material, which constituent bears a known relationship to the electrical conductivity of the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sensor including both a receptacle for receiving a sample of material and a field producing coil for producing an electromagnetic field within the receptacle. The coil is also designed confining said electromagnetic field to a predetermined, fixed volume within the receptacle and for producing a substantially constant magnitude electromagnetic field throughout this predetermined, fixed volume. A monitoring circuit is coupled with the sensor and is responsive thereto for producing an output signal which bears a predetermined relationship with the real impedance of the sensor and therefore with the conductivity of the sample.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for a field planting machine having a plurality of planting units and a plurality of seed sensors respectively associated with the planting units for producing seed signals in response to the dispensing of seeds thereby. The monitor comprises a plurality of sensor circuits coupled in series circuit, one of the sensor circuits being coupled intermediate each of the sensors and a common signal line. These sensor circuits and the associated sensors are sequentially selectable for causing a first condition on the common signal line in response to production of seed signals at or above a predetermined rate and a second condition on the common signal line in response to the non-production of seed signals at or above the predetermined rate.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a vehicle such as a tractor comprises a console including controls and a control circuit for calculating wheel slippage of at least one drive wheel of the vehicle and responsive to engine RPM of the vehicle and to the rotational speed of the drive wheel for calculating a predetermined relationship therebetween. The control circuit is also responsive to actuation of the controls for setting the calculated relationship equal to a predetermined reference value when there is substantially no load on the vehicle, and hence minimum slippage of the drive wheel, in each of a plurality of ranges of gear ratios of the vehicle, thereby calibrating the control circuit to calculate wheel slippage for each of these ranges of gear ratios. The console also mounts an observable indicator and the control circuit also calculates other variables such as vehicle speed and engine RPM and actuates the observable indicator when the calculated values deviate from preselected values.

Abstract: An improved system for processing an electrical velocity information signal in a velocity detecting system in which a detector is utilized for developing an electrical information signal, such as a Doppler signal, having a characteristic (e.g. frequency) that varies systematically with the object's velocity. A converter develops an oscillatory signal having a frequency which varies in accordance with the velocity information signal characteristic. A tracking filter having a center frequency that varies with the oscillatory signal filters all frequencies other than the center frequency. A signal generator is responsive to the frequency of the signal passed by the tracking filter for generating an output signal having a frequency which is a preset ratio relative to the center frequency, whereby the output signal of the system is relatively noise-free and has a frequency which represents the velocity of the object being detected.