Abstract: A flexible monitoring system and corresponding methods of use are provided. The system can include a base containing backplane, and one or more circuits communicatively coupled to the backplane. The circuits can be designed with a common architecture that is programmable to perform different predetermined functions, such as input, output, and processing. By separating functions of the flexible monitoring system into different circuits, new implementations of the flexible monitoring system can be rapidly developed by arranging already created components in different combinations. Multiple bases can also be communicatively coupled in a manner that establishes a common backplane between respective bases. Accordingly, implementations of the flexible monitoring system distribute combinations of circuits across different bases, providing flexible deployment options.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable monitoring system can include a secondary bus and a first monitoring circuit detachably coupled to the secondary bus. The first monitoring circuit can be configured to receive, from a first bus via a node comprising one or more gates, a first beacon packet of a monitoring system of an industrial machine. The first beacon packet can include a first system frame schedule indicative of a plurality of time slices during which a plurality of data packets can be configured to be broadcasted on the first bus of the monitoring system. The first monitoring circuit can also be configured to determine, a first set of time slices of the plurality of time slices during which a first set of data packets including data characterizing one or more predetermined operating parameters are broadcasted on the first bus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable monitoring system can include a secondary bus and a first monitoring circuit detachably coupled to the secondary bus. The first monitoring circuit can be configured to receive, from a first bus via a node comprising one or more gates, a first beacon packet of a monitoring system of an industrial machine. The first beacon packet can include a first system frame schedule indicative of a plurality of time slices during which a plurality of data packets can be configured to be broadcasted on the first bus of the monitoring system. The first monitoring circuit can also be configured to determine, a first set of time slices of the plurality of time slices during which a first set of data packets including data characterizing one or more predetermined operating parameters are broadcasted on the first bus.

Abstract: A flexible monitoring system and corresponding methods of use are provided. The system can include a base containing backplane, and one or more circuits communicatively coupled to the backplane. The circuits can be designed with a common architecture that is programmable to perform different predetermined functions, such as input, output, and processing. By separating functions of the flexible monitoring system into different circuits, new implementations of the flexible monitoring system can be rapidly developed by arranging already created components in different combinations. Multiple bases can also be communicatively coupled in a manner that establishes a common backplane between respective bases. Accordingly, implementations of the flexible monitoring system distribute combinations of circuits across different bases, providing flexible deployment options.

Abstract: A crop guide apparatus having a plurality of angularly positionable guide fins projecting generally perpendicularly from a mower-conditioner swathgate into the crop discharge stream as it exits the conditioner apparatus whereby the angular position of the fins influences the lateral direction of a portion of the crop discharge stream and allows the resultant crop stream to laterally convergently or laterally divergently directed. The adjustable guide fins are connected to and extend from the working surface of the swathgate generally perpendicular to the plane of the swathgate. Angular position of the each guide fin may be fixed using a pinned or bolted connections to one of a plurality of holes in the swathgate, or an actuator mechanism may be incorporated to pivot the guide fins on the pivot axes, preferably in a coordinated manner. The crop guide apparatus enables crop cutting, conditioning, and tedding to be performed in a single pass by a single machine.