Abstract: A non-contact type ultrasonic distance measuring device that includes a micro processor for controlling operation of a transducer that functions as both a sonic transmitter and receiver. Micro processor programming provides a control scheme whereby an operator can program different modes of operation into the instrument by depressing buttons arranged on a rear display panel of the instrument. Mode programming is accomplished in a manner similar to setting a digital watch, with the modes displayed in a display window. The mode programming and component operation provide a gate scheme where gate control is provided through application of gain control through three (3) amplifiers, one of which is a fourth order bandpass filter that is operated by the micro processor to provide a controlled increase in gain or "Q" as the elapsed time from a transmission becomes greater.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing crops such as hay, a cutter and a feed mechanism for feeding forage harvesters crops such as corn and sorghum, including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to the auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area to be discharged as a window or as a mass of material to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester.

Abstract: A hay baler including a trailer frame with a hitch for attachment to a prime mover and support wheels. A crop pick-up unit moves cut crop into a material storage area, from where it is moved into a bale chamber and is compacted by a compression unit and tied with twine before being discharged to ground from the rear of the trailer frame.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower, and conditioner for standing crops such as hay, including a cutting auger with cutting teeth on the peripheral edge of the auger flight and a conveyor auger to move cut crop to a central area to be discharged as a double windrow.

Abstract: An automatic height control system for a header on a farm implement is disclosed wherein the height of the header is continuously controlled in response to the height of the crop on which the header is operating. The top of the crop is detected by sonar detection units, and appropriate electronic and electromechanical means are provided for controlling the height of the header in response to signals from the sonar detection units.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and feeding foliage material from a stack, the apparatus comprising a wheeled vehicle, for example a wagon pulled by a tractor, capable of being displaced along the ground, a tiltable bed thereon disposed in a parallel position between ground engaging wheels and a powered conveyor so that a stack of foliage may be loaded onto the bed from a position on the ground (or unloaded from the bed back to the ground) and also may be successively advanced along the conveyor bed to provide an overhang beneath and forward of a rotating angularly disposed variable cutter which travels horizontally and then vertically downward in a zig-zag pattern to successively cut slices of foliage from the overhang of the stack.

Abstract: A system for weighing and placing stacked foliage in inventory and for, thereafter, precisely determining and feeding a metered or controlled amount of foliage material from inventory on a stack-by-stack basis. A foliage stacking machine is used to stack, weigh and place the foliage in cumulative inventory. A stack feeder is used from time to time to feed to livestock predetermined and metered amounts of foliage from successive stacks taken from inventory, while continuously monitoring the cumulative amount of foliage in inventory. Electronic strain gauges are disposed upon the frame of both the stacking machine and the stack feeder which strain gauges are calibrated to provide a total stack weight readout (at any time before, during or after each feeding operation). A calculator for determining the amount of feed to be discharged on each occasion is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and feeding a metered or controlled amount of foliage material from the stack, the apparatus comprising an underlying wheeled framework, capable of being displaced along the ground by a tractor or the like, a tiltable bed thereon disposed in a parallel position between the wheels and a powered conveyor so that a stack of foliage may be loaded onto the bed from a position on the ground (or unloaded from the bed back to the ground) and also may be successively advanced a short distance along the conveyor bed until the desired amount of stack foliage overhangs a transverse conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and feeding foliage material from a stack, the apparatus comprising a wheeled vehicle, for example a wagon pulled by a tractor, capable of being displaced along the ground, a tiltable bed thereon disposed in a parallel position between ground engaging wheels and a powered conveyor so that a stack of foliage may be loaded onto the bed from a position on the ground (or unloaded from the bed back to the ground) and also may be successively advanced along the conveyor bed to provide an overhang beneath and forward of a rotating angularly disposed variable cutter which travels horizontally and then vertically downward in a zig-zag pattern to successively cut slices of foliage from the overhang of the stack.

Abstract: A method for stacking bulk hay comprising picking up hay from the field, elevating the same and distributing the crop therefrom into the receptacle of a hay wagon, the hay in the receptacle being vertically compacted from time to time by a compacting head mounted for vertical reciprocal movement within the receptacle, resulting in a self-contained stack of compacted hay. Hay is permitted to be delivered into the wagon at an accumulator site during the compacting operation.