Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: A variable payload towing vehicle with several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle. The vehicle may be equipped with articulated steering and all wheel steering to increase maneuverability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil anslysis system for determining various soil characteristics. Various soil characteristics may include moisture content, organic matter content and the presence of nitrogen phosphate, potassium and other elements. The soil analysis system includings a plurality of testing assemblies for determining soil characteristics. The soil analysis system further includes a soil testing device or probe which is operatively inserted into the soil to support the testing assemblies. Preferably, the soil analysis system is used in cooperation with a positioning system and a data collection system for recording soil characteristic data based upon the geographic location to which the soil characteristic data relates.

Abstract: A liquid manure dispensing apparatus including a distribution head for breaking down larger clumps of liquid manure and uniformly distributing it to earth working members having an integral delivery chute. The distribution head comprises an impeller journaled for rotation in a chamber for preventing blockage by reducing the size of larger clumps of liquid manure between distal ends of integral vanes and the chamber wall. Each unitary earth working member includes an integral shank and liquid manure delivery chute, and it is designed such that the delivery chute forms a portion of the shank and to form a wedge shape. The delivery chute dispenses liquid manure behind the shank in a created furrow, wherein an outlet port of the chute opens downwardly and rearwardly to minimize blockage. The wedge shape of the chute prevents soil from collapsing into the furrow as liquid manure is dispensed to minimize soil blocking the outlet of the chute.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.

Abstract: An improved drive system for pneumatic spreader systems for effective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved drive means of the present invention is utilized to power the lift-auger bringing particulate material from the hopper to the distributor head, and is provided with dual operating parameters or modes, the first mode being low-speed high-torque, the second mode being high-speed low-torque. The low-speed high-torque mode is designed to provide power to initially "break-loose" or otherwise activate the rotation of the auger, with the high-rotational speed being utilized for normal operation. The system is designed to automatically convert from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode after only a short interval of time, such as may be required to complete from between 1 and 3 revolutions of the lift-auger.

Abstract: An improved water rinse system for cleaning pneumatic spreaders used for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a means to apply a water rinse to the entire system and to the booms for cleaning the system. The system includes a means for introducing a flow of water to the top of the distribution head for ultimate transfer through the entire system.

Abstract: A tandem drum-type pavement compacting machine having front and rear drums journaled in substantially identical yokes, each of which is connected with the chassis of the machine for steering rotation about a vertical axis which intersects the axis of its respective drum midway of its axial width, and wherein the front end portion of the chassis to which the yoke of the front drum is steerably connected, is joined to the main section of the chassis by a trunnion or swivel connection that provides for relative oscillation or rocking motion between the front and rear drums about a horizontal axis extending fore and aft along the centerline of the machine and intersecting the vertical steering axes of the drums. An operator's platform is fixed with respect to the yoke of the rear drum and overlies the rear portion of the main section of the chassis.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.