Abstract: The present invention extends to a stacking mechanism having electrical actuators for stacking slabs of sod on a sod harvesting machine. The electrical actuators allow the stacking head to be driven in three axes. The stacking mechanism also includes position feedback sensors for reporting the position of the stacking head to enable precision when operating the stacking head at a fast rate. The stacking mechanism of the present invention also provides temporary pallet support wings to enable the continued stacking of slabs of sod on one pallet even while another pallet is being dropped from the sod harvesting machine.

Abstract: In one example, a transmission is provided that includes a sheave of selectively variable configuration, a driven member configured to engage the sheave, and a plurality of drive members configured for radial movement to selectively engage the driven member. The transmission may be operable in one or more of the following modes: traction mode, integer mode, IN mode, and infinite mode.

Abstract: In one example, a moon gear assembly is provided that includes a moon arm assembly having a driving moon gear. A pivot pin is connected to the moon arm assembly, and an adjustment arm is connected to the moon arm assembly.

Abstract: Transmission systems, assemblies, and components are described. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate to an infinitely variable transmission that maintains constant tooth engagement during changes in gear ratio. In one aspect, a transmission includes an axially movable sheave coupled to a chain. The sheave rotates around a drive axis. At least partially within the sheave is a set of moon gears. The moon gears orbit around the drive axis and are rotatable around respective internal axis. As the sheave moves axially, the chain and the set of moon gears move radially to define different gear ratios, with the gear ratios being changeable in infinitely small increments. A synchronization system moves the set of moon gears radially to correspond to the axial position of the sheave. A correction system optionally controls rotation of the moon gears to rotate teeth of the moon gears into alignment with the chain.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, assemblies, and components that relate to power transfer. In particular, the disclosed systems includes a transmission that offers variable speeds and changes between different gear ratios while maintaining constant engagement. Constant engagement may be maintained by tooth-to-tooth contact to be scalable for a variety of applications. An example system includes a phase shifting mechanism. The phase shifting mechanism may include an eccentric gear that provides an oscillating output. The oscillating output creates an overall gear ratio change that slides between gear ratios, thereby allowing changes to occur in small, and possibly infinitely small increments. According to one example, an eccentric gear has a changing base radius and includes a tooth with a hybrid profile that has a base the width of an initial profile, and a width at a top of the tooth that is that of a final profile.

Abstract: A night vision goggle aided flight simulation system and technique allows an flight simulator operator wearing night vision goggles to view an approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight. A processor generates at least one look-up table of brightness values utilizing database sources including any selected options. A scene generation computer will then generate the scene image with the contrast based on values provided by the look-up table. An image display system displays the scene at light levels with sufficient dynamic range so that approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight is achieved. A neutral density filter can be placed over a CRT display if the CRT display as the display system cannot produce sufficient dynamic range.

Abstract: The invention provides an array of standard infrared aiming lights mounted n an aircraft and used occasionally by pilots wearing infrared goggles to enhance perception of terrain features on low flying missions.