Abstract: A method of determining a payload mass, the method comprising receiving rope data indicative of the rope force from the rope force sensor, receive position data indicative of the current shovel position from the one or more position sensors, determine a payload mass based on the rope force, the current shovel position, and a defined relationship between a kinetic energy of the mining shovel, a potential energy of the mining shovel, one or more degrees of freedom of the mining shovel, and one or more forces experienced by the mining shovel, and provide the payload mass to a display device associated with the mining shovel.

Abstract: An agricultural tool for a tractor tool bar comprises a unit, such as a planter unit, that includes a ground contacting member for performing a working operation on the ground for changing the state of the soil, such as by opening a furrow to receive a seed from the planter unit. A downpressure system for the tool includes a two part telescopic air shock extending between the tool bar and a parallelogram linkage that attaches the unit to the tool bar. A sensor is operatively connected to the portion of the air shock that is attached to the parallelogram linkage for sending a signal representative of the length of the shock to an electronic controller. The controller operates through a feedback loop to attempt to maintain the air shock at a predetermined length which corresponds to a desired amount of downpressure.

Abstract: A payload control system includes a tool position sensor, a boom lift sensor, and a boom swing sensor. A controller is configured to determine a segment of a work cycle based upon the tool position, the boom lift, and the boom swing signal, and determine a payload moved by the tool during the segment of the work cycle.

Abstract: A theorem and method for determining the weight and center of gravity of a ground-engaging implement connected to a three-point hitch on an agricultural tractor or other prime mover using hitch cylinder pressure and hitch position as calibration inputs to a hitch control system.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure takeout apparatus for use on a tractor having a hydraulic device with right and left lift arms for raising and lowering a working implement. The hydraulic pressure takeout apparatus includes a valve assembly mounted on a hydraulic housing forming part of the hydraulic device, and between the right and left lift arms. With this construction, oil lines for transmitting pressure oil to the valve assembly are not exposed to the outside, which is particularly advantageous where the tractor frequently engages in an operation on wet, soft soil. The valve assembly may be maintained with facility, and oil leakage is unlikely. Where the valve assembly is mounted on the hydraulic housing through a spacer defining connecting oil lines therein, oil leakage is prevented with increased assurance. The valve assembly may include a plurality of valves stacked one upon another to enable multiple or multi-purpose hydraulic pressure takeout.

Abstract: A chain is connected at its distal end to the pin at the rod end of a cylinder on an implement lift and depth control assembly. An intermediate portion of the chain is trained around a gear which rotates about the axis of the pin connecting the base end of the cylinder to the implement frame. An adjustable length, spring-biased rod is connected to the proximal end of the chain to maintain tension in the chain and operate a single point depth control valve to establish a highly accurate and repeatable depth setting which is dependent directly on cylinder rod extension and therefore less susceptible to looseness in the implement lift system.