Abstract: An agricultural apparatus operable in agricultural fields includes one or more digital electronic weather stations affixed to the apparatus and optionally one or more GPS receivers and/or proximity sensors, each coupled to a mobile computing device such as a cab computer. The weather stations transmit data representing wind speed, temperature and/or other weather parameters, as measured on the apparatus, to the mobile computing device. Under control of program logic, the mobile computing device continuously compares real-time, then-current weather data received from the weather stations to programmed or configured threshold values relating to a current agricultural operation. If the weather data indicates weather conditions that exceed one of the thresholds, a warning message may be generated at the mobile computing device to prompt the operator to confirm whether to continue the operation.

Abstract: In an embodiment, agricultural apparatus operable in agricultural fields comprises one or more digital electronic weather stations affixed to the apparatus and optionally one or more GPS receivers and/or proximity sensors, each coupled to a mobile computing device such as a cab computer. The weather stations transmit data representing wind speed, temperature and/or other weather parameters, as measured on the apparatus, to the mobile computing device. Under control of program logic, the mobile computing device continuously compares real-time, then-current weather data received from the weather stations to programmed or configured threshold values relating to a current agricultural operation. If the weather data indicates weather conditions that exceed one of the thresholds, a warning message may be generated at the mobile computing device to prompt the operator to confirm whether to continue the operation. Post-operation wind maps support assessment of the effectiveness of the operation.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid enters and exits the valve. A valve plunger has a guide spring attached thereto, such that the guide spring is situated between the plunger and a valve orifice. The plunger, and thus the guide spring, is movable relative to the orifice to control fluid flow through the valve. The guide spring and the orifice surface adjacent the guide spring define coplanar surfaces that seal against each other when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid enters and exits the valve. A valve plunger has a guide spring attached thereto, such that the guide spring is situated between the plunger and a valve orifice. The plunger, and thus the guide spring, is movable relative to the orifice to control fluid flow through the valve. The guide spring and the orifice surface adjacent the guide spring define coplanar surfaces that seal against each other when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A new half round gutter hanger provides a stronger product and maintains circles that are interchangeable with existing shanks installed on structures. A double thickness center section has four precise holes located on an engagement surface that is more than two times larger than the prior plate. Extrusions extending from around the through-holes in the circles fit tightly in holes in the double thickness mounting extensions of the plates. A fastener inserted through a single one of the holes holds the circle supported on the plate. Engaging the rolled lip with both end hooks of a U-shaped wire spring extending from the closed slot in the opposite end completes the installation.