Abstract: A seed sensor for sensing seeds flowing along a path is provided with an electromagnetic transducer having a movable diaphragm. An arm is secured to a generally peripheral portion of the diaphragm and extends into the seed flow path to be struck at random by the seeds. The arm has a portion operatively engageable with a mid portion of the diaphragm and functions as a mechanical amplifier to actuate the diaphragm when struck by the seeds for producing usable output signals.

Abstract: A monitor for use with a multiple row seed planter including a hopper for holding a supply of seeds, a plurality of conduits for carrying seeds to corresponding planting rows, a variable speed rotatable drum for receiving seeds from the hopper and delivering seeds to the conduits, a variable pressure air blower for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and drum to facilitate the seed delivery and a voltage supply source from a tractor or other vehicle pulling the planter. The monitor includes a plurality of sensors for providing a plurality of electrical signals corresponding to the above-mentioned planter functions.

Abstract: A wireless seed detecting and monitoring apparatus includes one or more transmitter units mounted at the seed planter and a receiver unit mounted in a monitor console located at a remote location. Seeds being planted produce a signal which modulates an r-f transmitted signal during the planting operation. A receiver is responsive to the r-f transmitted signal and detects the modulated signal information corresponding to seeds being planted. This detected signal is then delivered to monitoring circuitry to indicate the operation of the seed planter.

Abstract: A calibrated tuneable monitor for use with multi-row planting apparatus includes means for sensing the number of seeds delivered to furrows formed in a field and controlling an indicator to give a visual readout to the operator of the planting apparatus as to whether the number of seeds planted is at least equal to a predetermined minimum value which is preset by a selector dial. The seed monitor system has a DC coupled monostable circuit for producing a pulse of given pulse width for each pulse produced by a seed sensor. The pulse from the DC coupled monostable circuit is then integrated and formed into a voltage which is proportional to the rate at which pulses are received. This voltage is then compared in a voltage comparator circuit to control the operation of an indicator.

Abstract: An analysis instrument for measuring selected constituents present in a sample of a material such as a bulk commodity includes a test cell to receive the sample. The test cell comprises a capacitor whose electrical properties are modified in accordance with the dielectric constant of the sample, which dielectric constant is a function of the contents of the sample. A hopper is mounted above the test cell for holding a quantity of the commodity to be tested and doors forming a bottom of the hopper are selectively openable to introduce the material from the hopper into the test cell. A strike off mechanism is provided for striking off the sample level with the top of the test cell to assure a constant volume of sample material therein. Weight and temperature sensors are provided for measuring the weight and temperature of the sample. An unloading mechanism is provided for rotating the test cell to remove the sample therefrom upon completion of the measurements.

Abstract: An air pressure monitor includes an electro-mechanical sensor comprising a flexible diaphragm whose deflection is proportional to the air pressure applied thereto, and a variable inductor including a coil and a movable core inside of the coil, the movable core being attached to the flexible diaphragm for movement in response to the deflection thereof to adjust the inductance of the coil in proportion to the air pressure applied to the diaphragm. The monitor further comprises electrical circuits including a first oscillator circuit including the coil for producing a pressure signal at a frequency proportional to the pressure in response to the inductance of the coil, and a second oscillator circuit for producing a reference signal at a frequency corresponding to the frequency produced by the first oscillator when the pressure is substantially zero.

Abstract: An electronic bin temperature monitor is disclosed which automatically scans a plurality of temperature sensors which are disposed about the interior of a grain storage bin so that the temperatures at various locations in the stored grain can be monitored. The temperature sensors, which are selected silicon diodes with a linear negative temperature coefficient, are connected by cables to an external monitoring unit, which is provided with digital readouts to display both the location number of the sensor at which the temperature is being read and the temperature at that sensor location. Also provided, in common to all the sensors in a particular bin, is a pre-set alarm function which causes an external alarm device to be triggered, whenever any individual sensor temperature reaches or exceeds a pre-set temperature.

Abstract: A seed level sensor for automatic seed planting apparatus is provided with connecting plugs for connecting the seed level sensor to electrical leads presently existing between a seed dispensing sensor and a seed planter monitor. The seed level sensor includes a switching device connected in one of the lines of the electrical leads between the seed dispensing sensor and the seed planter monitor and which interrupts the operation of the seed dispensing sensor when the level of seeds within the hopper is below a predetermined level. An indicator associated with the seed planter monitor is energized for a given period of time when seeds are below the predetermined level, to alert the operator that a low seed level exists in the hopper.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader having one or more spinners driven by hydraulic motors and a material delivery conveyor or auger driven by a hydraulic motor is provided with a hydraulic system including a flow and pressure-compensated variable displacement pump and pressure-compensated control valves respectively for the spinner and conveyor motors connected so that the volume of fluid delivered by the pump corresponds to the demands of the motors.

Abstract: A wheel interference monitor used with articulated vehicles and vehicles pulling connected trailers or the like, such as a tractor pulling a connected farm implement. The apparatus includes a sensor for monitoring the clearance between the drive vehicle and the pulled trailer or implement, and a circuit for providing a warning alarm to the operator if the clearance reaches a point where the operator must exercise caution, and an additional alarm for warning the operator as the clearance becomes even more critical, approaching a danger area. Also included is a control for setting in the degree of clearance at which the warning and alarm circuit will begin to go into operation.

Abstract: In plowing or towing of other vehicles or implements with a tractor it generally is desirable to move as fast as is economically feasible. Attempting too high a speed may be self-defeating through wheel slippage of the pulling tractor which may reduce efficiency to an uneconomic level. In accordance with the present invention an electronic signal is provided corresponding to the speed of the driving wheels of a tractor, and another electronic signal is provided corresponding to the ground speed of the tractor. These signals are compared electronically, and a visual readout is provided for the operator of the tractor so that he may know if he is operating within acceptable conditions of efficiency. Both audio and visual warning signals are provided to the tractor driver if slippage exceeds a predetermined maximum, corresponding to a predetermined minimum allowable efficiency.

Abstract: An automatically controlled seed planter apparatus is disclosed for planting seeds concurrently in a plurality of rows with controlled seed spacing, including a rotating drum for holding the seeds and transporting the seeds to a plurality of chutes. The apparatus includes transducers for detecting the rotational speed of the drum and for detecting the speed of the planter along the ground. The operator is provided with input controls for setting in signals corresponding to the desired seed spacing and to the configuration of the drum used. The above-mentioned signals are then fed to a control system which processes the signals to form an output signal which controls the rotational speed of the drum, resulting in a controlled seed spacing. A readout device is also provided for the operator to monitor the expected seed spacing produced in this manner by the apparatus, as well as warning the operator of any malfunctions in the system.

Abstract: A moisture tester is provided for testing a sample of feed of the silage, haylage, and like compressible variety. The tester includes a chamber for receiving a feed sample. A compressible piston compresses the feed sample in the chamber to a predetermined density to provide accurate, reliable, reproducible results. The chamber comprises spaced electrodes constituting a capacitor such that the dielectric constant of the capacitor is modified in accordance with moisture within the feed sample. A circuit functionally including the capacitor develops a signal in accordance with the moisture content of the sample. A readout, responsive to the circuit signal, provides a visual indication of the feed sample moisture content. A circuit trigger is automatically operated by the compression exerted upon the feed sample to start circuit operation and provide the feed sample moisture content readout.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a monitoring system for detecting variations in the flow of a fluid through a passage such as an air duct associated with a cotton picker or other harvesting machine. Air flow sensing means is provided for mounting in the air duct to provide a first signal condition in response to the flow of air above a predetermined minimum level and a second signal condition in response to the flow of air below the predetermined minimum level. The air flow sensing means is coupled to an indicator means which attracts the attention of the harvesting machine operator and indicates which one, of a plurality of air ducts, is malfunctioning.

Abstract: A system for measuring the amount of area traversed by a vehicular implement comprising linear distance measuring means for generating an electrical signal having a characteristic which varies systematically in accordance with the distance traversed by the implement. An electronic switch having a first switching state and a second switching state is utilized for developing a control signal having a first value when the switch is in the first state and a second value when the switch is in the second state, with the electronic switch being coupled to the electrical signal generator and responsive to the electrical signal for switching to the first switching state. A clock is responsive to the control signal being in the first state and having the first value for generating a timing signal having a predetermined frequency. A pair of presettable dividers are coupled to the clock for developing a switching signal which is applied to the electronic switch to switch it to the second switching state.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the frequency of a periodic function and indicating whether or not said function frequency differs from a predetermined frequency, with the function frequency being represented by an electrical signal having a parameter which varies systematically in accordance with the period of the function. A ramp signal generator is provided for generating a control signal having a characteristic which starts at a reference level and attains a predetermined level after the passage of a preselected period of time. A first switch is coupled to the control signal generating means and has two switching states with the switch being normally biased to one of its switching states but responsive to the control signal characteristic attaining the predetermined level for switching to the other of its switching states. An indicator is coupled to the first switch for indicating which state the switch is in.

Abstract: An automatic control system for use with a vehicular liquid sprayer of the type which pumps the liquid to be sprayed at a desired pressure to a plurality of nozzles which dispense the liquid at a predetermined desired density relative to the area being sprayed, with the density being a function of a plurality of liquid spraying parameters which may vary from one spraying application to another or from time to time during a given spraying application. A pressure transducer senses the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzles and develops a corresponding electrical liquid pressure signal. A ground speed sensor measures the speed of the vehicular sprayer and develops a corresponding electrical ground speed signal. Programming means are coupled to the ground speed sensor for selectively modifying the ground speed signal to obtain a modified ground speed signal having a characteristic which corresponds to the values of at least two of the liquid spraying parameters required to obtain the desired density.

Abstract: A moisture tester for grain and like materials is disclosed. The tester includes a walled test chamber including spaced apart electrodes which form an electrical coaxial capacitor, the electrodes being located so that the dielectric constant of the capacitor is modified in accordance with the dielectric constant of a test material sample introduced into the test chamber. To limit the volume, and to configure and pack the volume of test material introduced into the tester in a predetermined way, a funnel arrangement is provided at the tester top. A lower portion of the funnel directs inflowing grain over an axially aligned, centrally located finger which forms one of the electrodes. A pour spout is provided for pouring test sample material from the test chamber after test completion.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the amount or depth of silage or similar material retained in a silo or like structure is disclosed. A number of sensors are vertically arrayed in and on a silo wall, and each sensor senses the presence or absence of silage in its immediate vicinity. An electrical circuit includes a visual display device such as a liquid crystal display for indicating the amount of material in the silo.

Abstract: A monitor for use in a multi-row seed planting apparatus is provided for detecting seeds passing from a seed bin to a plurality of seed dispensers and for indicating by row number an improperly operating dispenser. A seed sensor is placed in the seed flow path of each dispenser to provide an output signal indicating that seeds are continuously flowing along the seed flow path through the dispenser. A two-digit seven-segment readout display is provided on the monitor and is coupled to the seed dispenser through logic circuitry which energizes the readout display to indicate the row number of an improperly operating seed dispenser.