Abstract: There is described a method for detecting relative displacement between an object such as a slow moving vehicle and an illuminated surface which is normally the ground surface illuminated by an infrared light source so as to provide an output indicating the displacement or a velocity calculated from the displacement. The method includes providing an array of CCD or similar elements each arranged to receive light from a portion of a field of view and to provide an output responsive thereto. The method involves selection of a reference image and repeatedly comparing the reference image of the surface with each successive image by calculating the convolution integral of the signals using a fast fourier transform to obtain a probable displacement value. The reference image is maintained as long as possible until a “Q” factor falls below an acceptable minimum, or until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined displacement is measured.

Abstract: A blockage monitor for detecting a blockage in flow of particles includes a sensor body for mounting on a wall of the seed duct and defining a front face flush with the duct surface carrying both an LED light source for projecting light into the interior of the duct and a phototransistor arranged to produce an output signal proportional to the intensity of reflected light received which increases as a seed passes. A separate blockage module counts the output and uses an algorithm for comparing the count with a calibration count to determine whether there is a blockage of the duct. A power voltage is supplied to each sensor using two wires. A test of the sensor includes a pulse in the power voltage so as to generate a corresponding but delayed pulse in the light from the light source.

Abstract: An electrical control system for vehicles has a plurality of separate control modules which communicate via a communication bus and an operational program is installed in each of the modules so that all modules contain programming for the functions of each module. A programming and diagnostic system including a PC and a program connects into the bus so as to download the program from one of the modules for generating, modifying and viewing program logic steps using ladder logic which is then converted back Into an operating program format for communication to the modules. In addition, the status of the inputs and outputs of the modules of the apparatus can be displayed and forced using the programming and diagnostic system.

Abstract: An electrical control system preferably for vehicles such as a transit vehicle is arranged with a plurality of separate modules each receiving input from a series of inputs and each providing a series of outputs so that the modules combined receive inputs from all of the control, transducer and other input elements of the vehicle and the modules as a whole provide output to all of the controlled elements of the vehicle. The modules communicate between one another via a communication bus and an operational program is installed in each of the modules so that all modules contain programming for the functions of each module. A replacement module is generic and thus can contain any operational program and thus can be used for many different designs of the system. As supplied, the module may contain an existing program or no operational program if not yet programmed.

Abstract: A seed counter for counting seeds flowing through a duct includes a light transmitter on one side of the duct and light receiver on the opposed side of the duct together with an electronic circuit effecting analysis of the signals received by the receiver to generate a seed count value which represents accurately as possible the number of seeds passing through the duct. The transmitter and receiver each comprise a channel-shaped body with diodes at a base of the channel with the channel filled with a translucent potting material facing into the duct. The circuit receives the signals which include for each passage of a seed or a clump of seeds a temporary reduction in light intensity which is converted to a reduction in voltage. Prior to start up the steady state voltage is measured and the current to the transmitter varied to provide a predetermined level of signal at the receiver.

Abstract: A seed counter for counting seeds flowing through a duct includes a light transmitter on one side of the duct and light receiver on the opposed side of the duct together with an electronic circuit effecting analysis of the signals received by the receiver to generate a seed count value which represents accurately as possible the number of seeds passing through the duct. The transmitter and receiver each comprise a channel-shaped body with diodes at a base of the channel with the channel filled with a translucent potting material facing into the duct. The circuit receives the signals which include for each passage of a seed or a clump of seeds a temporary reduction in light intensity which is converted to a reduction in voltage. Prior to start up the steady state voltage is measured and the current to the transmitter varied to provide a predetermined level of signal at the receiver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling operation of a machine is particularly designed for agricultural machines such as seeders or planters. The system includes a central monitor unit and a plurality of sensors all connected in series on a communication bus. Each sensor is manufactured with a unique ID code. The central monitor unit on installation of the system polls each sensor as it is installed in a particular order of installation determined by the central monitor so that central monitor knows the location, function of each sensor in conjunction with its ID code. The central monitor then controls polling of the sensors by commands addressed to the individual sensors. Each sensor has a processor, transducer and a memory for storing data arising from the transducer. The memory can comprise a rollover memory of a simple nature which counts pulses or clock pulses and transmits the stored data when polled by the central monitor.

Abstract: A valve for producing from a constant pressure fluid source a series of repetitive fluid pulses, comprises a valve body having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber and a control chamber, each defined in the valve body. An inlet duct connects the inlet chamber to a source of fluid at a substantially constant pressure. A valve seat is positioned between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber and a valve member is movable along an axis of the valve body in opposed axial directions between a first closed position wherein the valve member rests on the valve seat and a second open position in which the valve member separates from the valve seat allowing fluid flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: The blockage module is designed to be mounted on air seeder seeding equipment. Piezoelectric sensors extending into the flow tubes monitor flow by producing high frequency ringing signals when struck by seeds. During a calibration step, the module will monitor each sensor and adjust the gain of the signal until the number of seed hits per second above a fixed voltage threshold is near a predetermined value. Each sensor connected to the module will be similarly calibrated, and the calibrated gain and hit rate will be stored. It has been found that if a blockage or partial blockage occurs under these calibrated conditions, the number of hits above the fixed voltage threshold will be sharply reduced. The reduced hit rate is compared to the calibrated hit rate, and an alarm is generated if the reduction is great enough. Because the reduced hit rate is immediately detectable, the response time to report a blockage is very short.