Abstract: An agricultural planter having sensors for measuring multiple soil properties adjusts planting depth and seeding rate in real time based on the measured soil properties. An optical module is carried by the planter for collecting soil reflectance data. A pair of soil contact blades protrude from or are embedded in the optical module for collecting soil EC data and soil moisture data. A switching circuit or phase lock loop allows the same soil contact blades to feed signals to both a soil EC signal conditioning circuit and a soil moisture signal conditioning circuit. The soil moisture data can be used to calibrate the soil EC data and the soil reflectance data to compensate for effects of changing soil moisture conditions across a field. The sensor module can be positioned behind a seed tube and used as a seed firmer, or incorporated into a seed tube guard.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system rapidly measures diffuse reflectance of soil, soil conductivity, and other soil properties in situ, in three dimensions. The system includes a tractor-drawn implement containing a sensor shank used for X-Y axis measurements, a hydraulic probe implement containing a sensor probe for ?Z axis measurements, and a set of visible and near-infrared spectrometers, controls, and firmware that are shared by each implement. Both implements include optical sensors and soil electrical conductivity sensors. The probe implement incorporates a sensor that measures insertion force, and the shank implement includes a soil temperature sensor. These combinations of sensors are used to calibrate the system and to characterize the soil properties within a field or area. Geo-referenced soil measurements are collected with the shank implement to identify optimal locations for conducting sensor probe insertions.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system rapidly measures diffuse reflectance of soil, soil conductivity, and other soil properties in situ, in three dimensions. The system includes a tractor-drawn implement containing a sensor shank used for X-Y axis measurements, a hydraulic probe implement containing a sensor probe for ?Z axis measurements, and a set of visible and near-infrared spectrometers, controls, and firmware that are shared by each implement. Both implements include optical sensors and soil electrical conductivity sensors. The probe implement incorporates a sensor that measures insertion force, and the shank implement includes a soil temperature sensor. These combinations of sensors are used to calibrate the system and to characterize the soil properties within a field or area. Geo-referenced soil measurements are collected with the shank implement to identify optimal locations for conducting sensor probe insertions.

Abstract: A soil sampling implement and method have a sampler assembly supported from an implement frame for movement across a field. The sampler assembly includes a tapered cylindrical cutting shoe and a soil collection trough. The cutting shoe has a leading cutting edge arranged for movement through soil in a horizontal direction to cut a cylindrical core sample. A sensing device is provided for measuring at least one soil property. The sampler assembly is moved between a lowered position in which the cutting shoe is positioned at a selected sampling depth, and a raised position in which the cutting shoe is positioned above the soil surface and a soil sample contained in the soil collection trough is brought into contact with the sensing device. A cutting shoe scraper engages and cleans the leading cutting edge of the cutting shoe when the sampler assembly is moved between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a workpiece, includes workpiece processors. A robot is moveable within an enclosure to load and unload workpieces into and out of the processors. A processor includes an upper rotor having a central air flow opening. The upper rotor is magnetically driven into engagement with a lower rotor to form a workpiece processing chamber. A moveable drain mechanism aligns different drain paths with the processing chamber so that different processing fluids may be removed from the processing chamber via different drain paths. A moveable nozzle positioned in the air flow opening distributes processing fluid to the workpiece. The processing fluid is distributed across the workpiece surface, via centrifugal force generated by spinning the processing chamber, and removed from the processing chamber via the moveable drain mechanism.

Abstract: A soil sampling implement and method have a sampler assembly supported from an implement frame for movement across a field. The sampler assembly includes a tapered cylindrical cutting shoe and a soil collection trough. The cutting shoe has a leading cutting edge arranged for movement through soil in a horizontal direction to cut a cylindrical core sample. A sensing device is provided for measuring at least one soil property. The sampler assembly is moved between a lowered position in which the cutting shoe is positioned at a selected sampling depth, and a raised position in which the cutting shoe is positioned above the soil surface and a soil sample contained in the soil collection trough is brought into contact with the sensing device. A cutting shoe scraper engages and cleans the leading cutting edge of the cutting shoe when the sampler assembly is moved between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a workpiece, includes workpiece processors. A robot is moveable within an enclosure to load and unload workpieces into and out of the processors. A processor includes an upper rotor having a central air flow opening. The upper rotor is magnetically driven into engagement with a lower rotor to form a workpiece processing chamber. A moveable drain mechanism aligns different drain paths with the processing chamber so that different processing fluids may be removed from the processing chamber via different drain paths. A moveable nozzle positioned in the air flow opening distributes processing fluid to the workpiece. The processing fluid is distributed across the workpiece surface, via centrifugal force generated by spinning the processing chamber, and removed from the processing chamber via the moveable drain mechanism.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes an inner chamber pivotably supported within an outer chamber. The inner chamber has an opening to allow liquid to drain out. A motor pivots the inner chamber to bring the opening at or below the level of liquid in the inner chamber. As the inner chamber turns, liquid drains out. Workpieces within the inner chamber are supported on a holder or a rotor, which may be fixed or rotating. Multi processes may be performed within the inner chamber, reducing the need to move the workpieces between various apparatus and reducing risk of contamination.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes an inner chamber pivotably supported within an outer chamber. The inner chamber has an opening to allow liquid to drain out. A motor pivots the inner chamber to bring the opening at or below the level of liquid in the inner chamber. As the inner chamber turns, liquid drains out. Workpieces within the inner chamber are supported on a holder or a rotor, which may be fixed or rotating. Multi processes may be performed within the inner chamber, reducing the need to move the workpieces between various apparatus and reducing risk of contamination.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a rotor within a process chamber. The process chamber has a horizontal drain opening in its cylindrical wall. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to help prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. The rotor spins the workpieces to help to remove any remaining droplets by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes an inner chamber pivotably supported within an outer chamber. The inner chamber has an opening to allow liquid to drain out. A motor pivots the inner chamber to bring the opening at or below the level of liquid in the inner chamber. As the inner chamber turns, liquid drains out. Workpieces within the inner chamber are supported on a holder or a rotor, which may be fixed or rotating. Multi processes may be performed within the inner chamber, reducing the need to move the workpieces between various apparatus and reducing risk of contamination.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a rotor within a process chamber. The process chamber has a horizontal drain opening in its cylindrical wall. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to help prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. The rotor spins the workpieces to help to remove any remaining droplets by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a liquid. A process reactor or head holds a workpiece between an upper rotor and a lower rotor. A head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into contact with the liquid. Sonic energy is introduced into the liquid and acts on the workpiece to improve processing. The head spins the workpiece during or after contact with the liquid. The upper and lower rotors have side openings for loading and unloading a workpiece into the head. The rotors are axially moveable to align the side openings.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a workpiece support or holder within a process chamber. The process chamber has a drain opening, slot or edge. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to reduce or prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. An outer chamber may be provided around the process chamber to provide increased control of the process environment.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a liquid. A process reactor or head holds a workpiece between an upper rotor and a lower rotor. A head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into contact with the liquid. Sonic energy is introduced into the liquid and acts on the workpiece to improve processing. The head spins the workpiece during or after contact with the liquid. The upper and lower rotors have side openings for loading and unloading a workpiece into the head. The rotors are axially moveable to align the side openings.

Abstract: Device for measuring soil conductivity is comprised of a frame adapted to be conveyed over a ground surface and plurality of soil engaging coulters insulated from each other and insulatively mounted to this frame. This device also includes means for passing a current between a first pair of coulters through the soil and means for measuring this current. It further comprises means for measuring the resulting voltage between a second pair of coulters. This device for measuring soil conductivity also is comprised of electrical contact members which provide consistent electrical contact from the coulter to the means for measuring current and voltage. An electrical signal received by a coulter travels to a mounting flange and then to a dust cap. The dust cap passes this electrical signal to the spindle by way of a spring-loaded plunger. This electrical signal travels from the fixed spindle to the means for measuring current and voltage.