Abstract: A control system for a mobile planting apparatus which permits discrete plant spacing to be determined and maintained independent of wheel rotation on the planting apparatus having: (1) a ground speed sensor wherein the rate of movement relative to the ground is determined independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus; (2) an input/display device for inputting desired plant spacing; (3) a variable speed motor for driving seed metering devices on the planting apparatus at varying rates independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus, wherein the motor changes speeds in response to an electronic signal; (4) a programmable control circuit communicating electronically with the input/display device and ground speed sensor, wherein the programmable control circuit: (a) determines the number of seeds to be dispensed per unit distance based on the desired spacing received from the input/display device; (b) determines the distance traveled based on electronic signals from the ground speed sensor; and

Abstract: A control system for a mobile planting apparatus which permits discrete plant spacing to be determined and maintained independent of any wheel rotation on the planting apparatus or towing apparatus is disclosed, having: (1) a ground speed sensor wherein the rate of movement relative to the ground is determined independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus; (2) an input/display device for inputting desired linear plant spacing; (3) a variable speed motor for mechanically driving seed metering devices on the planting apparatus at varying rates independent of any wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus, wherein the motor changes speeds in response to an electronic signal; (4) a programmable control circuit communicating electronically with the input/display device and ground speed sensor, wherein the programmable control circuit: (a) determines the number of seeds to be dispensed per linear unit of distance traveled based upon the desired spacing received from t

Abstract: A control device for a multi-zone conveyor oven constructed according to the present invention comprises a microprocessor-based controller, appropriate control software, a keyboard and display for interaction with a user, means for sensing the conveyor speed and the heating chamber temperature, and means for controlling the power supplied to the conveyor motor and the heating elements. The controller provides facilities for user programming of sets of oven parameters, each set corresponding to a particular food product to be cooked in the oven. Each set of parameters includes the total cook time for the product and a desired temperature which is independently selectable for each heating zone. Once a set of parameters has been programmed, it is assigned to a particular key on the keyboard, and the user may select that entire set of parameters by simply pushing the assigned key. The parameters are stored in the EEPROM to prevent their loss during electrical power interruptions.

Abstract: A control device for a multi-zone conveyor oven constructed according to the present invention comprises a microprocessor-based controller, appropriate control software, a keyboard and display for interaction with a user, means for sensing the conveyor speed and the heating chamber temperature, and means for controlling the power supplied to the conveyor motor and the heating elements. The controller provides facilities for user programming of sets of oven parameters, each set corresponding to a particular food product to be cooked in the oven. Each set of parameters includes the total cook time for the product and a desired temperature which is independently selectable for each heating zone. Once a set of parameters has been programmed, it is assigned to a particular key on the keyboard, and the user may select that entire set of parameters by simply pushing the assigned key. The parameters are stored in the EEPROM to prevent their loss during electrical power inteerruptions.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the air flow from a register of a forced air heating system. The apparatus includes walls forming a housing or cover that is adapted to be fastened to and enclose an air outlet register. The walls also form an outlet opening, and a pivotable flapper valve or wall is provided that is movable to close the opening. The valve is pivotable between an open position where the opening is not closed, and a closed position where the opening is obstructed, the valve being biased to the open position. The valve is located to be subjected to the force of air moving out of the register and through the housing, this force being such as to urge the valve to the closed position. The apparatus further includes a latch for holding the valve in the open position against the force of the moving air, and an electric control for disabling the latch in the presence of the flow of air. The electric control may be manually operated or it may be responsive to the ambient temperature conditions.