Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time engine load control (RTLC) for electronically controlled engines in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) are provided. In particular, a RTLC system is provided to control an electronically controlled engine for the TRS in order to maximize temperature control of the TRS, while preventing engine shut down due to a TRS load demand that exceeds the engine's horsepower output capability. The RTLC system includes an engine control unit (ECU) connected to a TRS controller. TRS controller includes an ECU data processing component, a load control component, an ETV control component, a TRS load demand component and a temperature control and TRS protection component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time engine load control (RTLC) for electronically controlled engines in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) are provided. In particular, a RTLC system is provided to control an electronically controlled engine for the TRS in order to maximize temperature control of the TRS, while preventing engine shut down due to a TRS load demand that exceeds the engine's horsepower output capability. The RTLC system includes an engine control unit (ECU) connected to a TRS controller. TRS controller includes an ECU data processing component, a load control component, an ETV control component, a TRS load demand component and a temperature control and TRS protection component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-mode steerable 3-point hitch comprising: a pivotal hitch frame having a generally vertical pivot axis, the hitch frame coupled to first and second draft arms on each side of the hitch frame; and a hitch support structure affixed to a chassis, the hitch support structure coupled to a pair of opposable steering cylinders that are coupled to the hitch frame, the hitch frame and hitch support operably connected to enable concurrent rotation about the vertical pivot axis with draft arm sway.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatus to improve the operation of, and reduce the maintenance required by, a spherical bearing. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a sealed spherical bearing device including a spherical bearing and a flexible shield surrounding a portion of the spherical bearing enabled to articulate in accordance with a rotary motion of the spherical bearing and an oscillatory motion of the spherical bearing. The flexible shield is enabled to reduce the entry of contaminants into the spherical bearing while the spherical bearing is at rest and while the spherical bearing is in motion.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a grain cart that includes an axle pivotably coupled with a frame of a grain holder. The load measuring system includes load cells positioned between a portion of a frame of the grain holder and the top of the axle of the grain cart; and a processing unit coupled with the load cells and configured to calculate a weight of a load in the grain holder based on a force applied to the load cells by said frame.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a grain cart that includes an axle pivotably coupled with a frame of a grain holder. The load measuring system includes load cells positioned between a portion of a frame of the grain holder and the top of the axle of the grain cart; and a processing unit coupled with the load cells and configured to calculate a weight of a load in the grain holder based on a force applied to the load cells by said frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling evaporator and condenser fans in a refrigeration system. The apparatus is a refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit defined by a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The apparatus includes an evaporator fan and a condenser fan. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the fans. The controller includes a variable frequency drive unit. For the method of the invention, the speed of the fans is controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling evaporator and condenser fans in a refrigeration system. The apparatus is a refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit defined by a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The apparatus includes an evaporator fan and a condenser fan. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the fans. The controller includes a variable frequency drive unit. For the method of the invention, the speed of the fans is controlled by the controller.