Abstract: The present invention presents a flight training and synthetic visualization system, which comprises a fully mobile, self-contained data recording unit including a desktop graphics software engine for creating a virtual model of the flight capable of playing back the recorded trip, synchronized with a real-time video or imagery recording of the actual flight with a view from the cockpit of the aircraft as a pilot would actually view the flight, along with ambient audio of the cockpit. This allows for the user of the simulation to view both modeled data of the flight, as well as actual time-sequenced still images or video of the flight. The two sources of data are synched in time so that real video images of the aircraft as it is flying at a specific point in time is displayed in the simulation at the same moment as the rendered visualization of the flight.

Abstract: An optical particle flow monitoring system for monitoring particle flow through the primary and/or secondary tubes of an air dispensing system, such as an air seeder. The primary tubes include a particle sensor having at least one emitter lens body, which forms a substantially uniform, collimated beam which illuminates a sensing area in a seed tube in order to accurately monitor the number of particles flowing in the seed tube. In the preferred embodiment, optical fibers connect the emitter lens bodies to optical beam generating devices, and connect respective receiver lens bodies to optical beam detecting devices, with both the optical beam generating devices and the optical beam detecting devices being located remotely from the seed tubes for improved immunity to static electricity discharge.

Abstract: An optical seed flow monitoring system for monitoring seed flow through the primary and secondary seed tubes in an air seeding system. The primary seed tubes include a primary seed sensor having a plurality of emitter lens bodies and receiver lens bodies. Optical fibers connect the emitter lens body to an optical beam generating device and the receiver lens body to an optical beam detecting device both positioned remotely from the seed tubes. Alternately, one or more of the secondary seed tubes can include a secondary seed sensor having an emitter lens body and a receiver lens body.

Abstract: An optical seed counting system for counting seeds that are dispensed through a plurality of seed tubes associated with a multiple row seed planter. Each seed tube includes an optical sensor having an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and the receiver each include lens components for shaping an optical beam. Optical fibers connect the emitter to an optical beam generating device and the receiver to an optical beam detecting device both positioned remotely from the seed tubes. The optical components of the emitter generate a substantially spatially uniform optical beam across a sensing area within the seed tubes. The detecting device generates a pulse signal where the period of the pulses represents the intensity of the optical beam in the sensing area. Seeds that are dispensed in the seed tubes interfere with the optical beam in a manner that affects the light intensity of the beam. Therefore, the change in intensity of the beam indicates the number of seeds.

Abstract: An electronic transmission control system for a self-propelled off-road vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multiple gear powershift transmission controls the powershift transmission and provides the at least on control signal to the engine for selecting the speed at which the engine is to operate. The system preferably includes a first electronic controller that provides transmission control signals required to command the powershift transmission to shift to and operate in any particular one of its forward gears, and a second electronic controller that provides at least one engine control signal required to command the engine to operate at one of a number of different desired engine speeds and to monitor the actual engine speed.

Abstract: An electronic transmission control system for a self-propelled off-road vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multiple gear powershift transmission. The control system controls the powershift transmission and provides at least one control signal to the engine for selecting the speed at which the engine is to operate. The system includes a first electronic controller that provides transmission control signals required to command the powershift transmission to shift to and operate in any particular one of its forward gears, and second electronic controller that provides at least one engine control signal required to command the engine to operate at one of a number of different desired engine speeds and to monitor the actual engine speed.

Abstract: An expandable, modular microcomputer system for an off-road vehicle having a controller which is operable to generate a plurality of independent pulse-width modulated control signals and a plurality of independent on/off control signals to a corresponding plurality of metal oxide silicone field effect transistors (MOSFETS). An RS-485 bi-directional serial communications interface enables the system to communicate with at least one other ingredient, external, controller. Thus, the control system can be modularly expanded to handle the needs of increasingly complex powershift transmissions. A watchdog circuit monitors operation of the controller and is supplied with a regulated voltage independent of the regulated voltage used to power the microcomputer. The watchdog can provide a reset signal to the microcomputer when spurious operation of the microcomputer is detected, as well as initiate operation of a back-up voltage supply circuit.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based, closed-loop electronic temperature control system and method for an electrically heated cold weather garment having a plurality of independently heated zones. In one preferred embodiment the system comprises a potentiometer for selecting the desired temperature at which a plurality of areas of the garment are to be maintained, a thermistor for determining a reference temperature of the interior areas of the garment, and a plurality of conductive heating wires operable to heat each area of the garment independently. The system further includes a plurality of solid-state semiconductor power devices for controllably allowing current flow through each heating wire and, a plurality of current sensing circuits for sensing the current flow through each heating wire. The microcomputer receives information from the potentiometer, the thermistor and the current sensing circuits, and determines therefrom the level of heating required for each zone.

Abstract: An electrically heated, cold weather garment. The garment includes a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric for covering portions of the body of a wearer of the garment; a plurality of flexible, electrical heating wires cover stitched to the fabric by sewing; an electronic controller for controlling current flowing through each of the heating wires in a pulse-width modulated fashion, to thereby independently control the heat generated by each heating wire; a plurality of potentiometers for controlling the level of power supplied to each heating wire; and a master power level potentiometer for controlling the power supplied to each of the heating wires in a uniform and simultaneous fashion. In a first preferred embodiment the controller utilizes a combination of analog and digital-like signals to control in a pulse-width modulated fashion the current flow through the heating elements.

Abstract: A hybrid, open-loop electronic temperature control system and method of heating for an electrically heated cold weather garment having a plurality of independent heating zones. In one embodiment the system includes: a plurality of conductive heating wires, with at least one such heating wire being disposed in each zone of the garment and operable to heat each zone of the garment independently; a plurality of solid-state semiconductor power switching devices for controllably allowing current flow through each heating wire; and plurality of power selection circuits, with each having a potentiometer and being associated with each solid-state power switching device, for providing individual power level selection for each heating wire of the garment. This gives the wearer individual control over the temperature level of each zone of the garment.

Abstract: An electrically heated fabric assembly for use with an electrically heated garment. The fabric assembly includes a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric made from polyphthalate and spandex fibers for covering various portions of the body of a wearer of the garment; and a plurality of flexible, electrical, heat generating wires arranged in a serpentine pattern on various portions of the fabric, and operable to generate heat in response to an electrical current flow through the heating wires. The heating wires are secured to the fabric by cover stitching, accomplished by sewing, to allow the fabric to retain its flexibility. The heating wires each include several conductor elements wound together in a spiral fashion, and each conductor element includes a core portion having wound therearound in a spiral fashion two tinsel-like copper conductors. The core portions each consist of several aromatic polyamide fibers of extremely high tensile strength.

Abstract: An automatic feedback control system for use with an off-road vehicle having an adjustable-elevation, ground-engaging implement, such as an agricultural tractor with a three-point hitch and a plough or cultivator, is disclosed. The automatic control system provides an engine-sensing draft control system which adjusts the height or elevation of the ground-engaging implement so as to maintain the draft or load forces experienced by the vehicle at a substantially constant level. The determination of the draft being produced by the ground-engaging implement is determined by the engine speed deviation from a target point speed which is indicated by an operator-set desired no-load engine speed and an operator-set engine lug-down value or load.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has pivotal wheel steering such as front axle wagon-wheel steering, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle, and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of front wheel pivot relative to the vehicle and the degree of articulation of the vehicle. These signals are detected by a microprocessor controller which in turn controls the sequence of actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated sequentially so that small directional changes of the vehicles are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators is controlled by a manual steering unit having a conventional hydraulic steering valve, with sequencing being provided through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverter valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a steering system for an articulated vehicle which has at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to the vehicle, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The improved steering system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of axle pivot relative to the vehicle, the degree of articulation of the vehicle and the desired direction of the vehicle travel. These signals are detected by a controller which in turn controls actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated in a sequential manner so that small directional changes of the vehicle are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle.

Abstract: An environmental control system for an enclosed cab of an off-the-road vehicle such as a tractor includes a pressurization blower for pressurizing the cab to a positive pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure outside the cab, and a recirculation blower for recirculating air within the cab. The system includes a fresh air intake for taking in air from outside the cab, a recirculation air intake for taking in air from within the cab, and outlets through which the air from the blowers enters the cab. An air precleaner and a fresh air filter are provided between the pressurization blower and the fresh air intake. A control circuit automatically provides a speed control signal to the pressurization blower, and a manually selected speed control signal is provided to the recirculation blower. A speed sensor senses the speed of the pressurization blower, which varies for a given speed control signal as a function of air pressure within the cab and the condition of the fresh air filter.

Abstract: An electrical control provides output signals to a group of solenoid valves which control the gear ratio selected by a transmission. The electrical control receives input signals from a mode select lever, an upshift/downshift pulser lever, an engine RPM sensor, a ground speed sensor, a clutch position sensor switch, and a throttle control lever. The mode select lever has a neutral (N) position, a reverse (R) position, a forward manual (FM) position, and a forward automatic (FA) position. Movement of the mode select lever from N to FM causes the electronic control to actuate solenoid valves which select a first forward gear. Similarly, movement of the lever from N to R causes the control to actuate solenoid valves which provide a first reverse gear. Higher/lower gears are obtained by moving the upshift/downshift pulser lever from its normal position to either an upshift position or a downshift position.