Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along a seedbed floor as an implement frame is moved across the field. The system may also include an actuator configured to adjust the position of the seedbed tool along a lateral direction relative to the implement frame such that the seedbed tool traverses a lateral swath of the seedbed floor along the lateral direction. Furthermore, the system may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect the position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame. The position of the seedbed tool may be indicative of a profile of the lateral swath of the seedbed floor as the seedbed tool rides along the seedbed floor with movement of the implement frame in the forward travel direction.

Abstract: A disk assembly for agricultural implements comprises a disk hanger including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The disk assembly further includes a hanger spindle supported relative to the distal end of the disk hanger for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and a blade spindle supported relative to the hanger spindle, with the blade spindle being rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented non-parallel relative to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the disk assembly includes a blade coupled to the blade spindle for rotation therewith about the second axis of rotation. Moreover, the disk assembly is configured such that rotation of the hanger spindle relative to the disk hanger about the first axis of rotation results in an adjustment of both an angle-of-engagement and a camber angle of the blade.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the displacement of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement includes a controller of the system may be configured to monitor a magnitude of a displacement defined between a current position of a ground engaging tool of the implement and a predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may also be configured to initiate a first control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a first threshold displacement value. Moreover, the controller may further be configured to initiate a second control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a second threshold displacement value, with the second threshold displacement value corresponding to a greater displacement relative to the predetermined ground engaging tool position than the first displacement threshold value.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining field characteristics of a field across which an implement is being moved may include a tine configured to engage a surface of soil within the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a load being applied to the ground engaging tine by the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to determine a field characteristic of the field based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: A disk assembly for agricultural implements comprises a disk hanger including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The disk assembly further includes a hanger spindle supported relative to the distal end of the disk hanger for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and a blade spindle supported relative to the hanger spindle, with the blade spindle being rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented non-parallel relative to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the disk assembly includes a blade coupled to the blade spindle for rotation therewith about the second axis of rotation. Moreover, the disk assembly is configured such that rotation of the hanger spindle relative to the disk hanger about the first axis of rotation results in an adjustment of both an angle-of-engagement and a camber angle of the blade.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along a seedbed floor as an implement frame is moved across the field. The system may also include an actuator configured to adjust the position of the seedbed tool along a lateral direction relative to the implement frame such that the seedbed tool traverses a lateral swath of the seedbed floor along the lateral direction. Furthermore, the system may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect the position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame. The position of the seedbed tool may be indicative of a profile of the lateral swath of the seedbed floor as the seedbed tool rides along the seedbed floor with movement of the implement frame in the forward travel direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining field characteristics of a field across which an implement is being moved may include a tine configured to engage a surface of soil within the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a load being applied to the ground engaging tine by the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to determine a field characteristic of the field based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the displacement of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement. A controller of the system may be configured to monitor a magnitude of a displacement defined between a current position of a ground engaging tool of the implement and a predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may also be configured to initiate a first control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a first threshold displacement value. Moreover, the controller may further be configured to initiate a second control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a second threshold displacement value, with the second threshold displacement value corresponding to a greater displacement relative to the predetermined ground engaging tool position than the first displacement threshold value.

Abstract: The invention includes a multilayer polymer composite structure that includes a first layer comprising a polymer and at least one mineral filler and a second layer comprising a polymer. A third layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the third layer includes a mixture of material from at least the first and second layers. Preferably, the third layer is formed by recycling and mixing excess material from the multilayer polymer structure. The second layer can further include a colorant. The multilayer polymer structure can also include a fourth and/or fifth layer comprising a high clarity polymer and/or a high gloss polymer that provides a glossy surface or a sealant polymer that provides surface capable of being sealed. In a preferred embodiment, the multilayer polymer structure is thermoformed into a multilayer polymer article such as a container. Preferably, the container is a drinking cup.