Abstract: A system for sensing loads and varying the dynamics of mechanical devices to accommodate various load weights is disclosed. The system comprises a load receiving device, a load translocator, a load sensing device, and a control unit for processing information sent to it by the load sensing device. The control unit receives and calculates information corresponding to a load weight and varies the speed of a motor and/or hydraulic drive coupled to the mechanical devices translocating the load. This allows for more efficient and consistent load transfers. The system, as described herein, may be applied to several mechanical devices or systems. Specifically as described herein, the system is applied to a conveyor and sorting apparatus which comprises a hopper having a first and a second end, and further comprising a conveyor for transporting the produce from the first end to the second end, a roller bed, coupled to the second end of the hopper.

Abstract: A tuber seed cutting apparatus includes a cutting section, a transport section, and a conveyor section. The cutting section includes a plurality of coulter blades coaxially spaced apart on a common axis. The transport section comprises a transport bed having a first side and an opposite second side and a plurality of rollers. The rollers move as a bed generally in a first direction towards the coulter blades, but rotate in a direction opposite the direction of the transport bed. The rollers comprise a plurality of first roller types and a plurality of second roller types that are placed adjacent either the first side or the second side, the second roller types being generally cylindrical and having a diagonal ridge placed on the circumference of the second roller type to direct items away from the sides and towards the center of the transport bed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel roller for use on agricultural produce grading, sorting, cleaning and conveying equipment. The roller comprises a cylindrical hub having protruding fingers thereon which extend outward from the hub in a direction perpendicular to the hub axis and inclined away from the direction of rotation of the hub. The roller further comprises lateral support shoulders which allow the fingers to flex properly in the direction of rotation while providing increased rigidity in a lateral direction to improve grading opening uniformity and consistency. A concave shape on the outer surface of these lateral support shoulders also defines an improved grading opening shape which serves to increase grading uniformity as well. A smooth surface to the grading opening surfaces also prevent accumulation of mud and dirt in the critical grading opening area.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for smoothing ruts, such as are produced in a field by center pivot sprinkler irrigation systems, comprises a pair of rotary tillers arranged in a unique frame for traveling over and along respectively opposite sides of the rut as such tillers are rotated toward each other to break up clods of soil ridged above the rut at opposite sides thereof and to largely fill and smooth the rut. A guide shoe carried by the frame midway between the rotary tillers is preferably provided to travel along the rut and maintain the rotary tillers at proper working positions, and a hood with outriggered side walls hinged thereto for outward swinging movement preferably covers the rotary tillers.