Abstract: A fieldbus solenoid valve system has a solenoid operated control valve mounted and operated by a solenoid pilot. A direct current power source is connected to a coil of the solenoid pilot and a driver for actuating the coil. A resistive element is in series with the power source, the driver, the solenoid and a ground. A frequency generator is connected to the circuit for creating a frequency pulse train to the coil having a characterization so as not to cause the solenoid pilot to actuate. The voltage is measured between the coil and resistive element and the measured voltage is compared to a base voltage value measured from the same circuit location. An indicator signal is displayed on the fieldbus solenoid valve system or externally when the measured voltage increases to a predetermined amount from said base voltage over time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, processes, and devices are disclosed for measuring and matching the color and appearance of decorative artifacts to facilitate product selection, such as in a retail store or other commercial environment.

Abstract: A slip ring includes a rotor and a stator. Stator contacts are connected to a data acquisition unit. The rotor contacts are connected to an amplifier circuit mounted in a housing connected to and rotatable with a rotating member. A sensor mounted on the rotating member to which the rotor is also fixedly mounted generates an electrical output signal corresponding to a sensed operating parameter of the rotating member. The sensor output signal is amplified by the amplifier in the housing before being transmitted through the slip ring to the data acquisition unit. Vibration isolation is provided when required for the slip ring and the circuit board in the housing carrying the amplifier to dampen vibrations generated by the rotating member. Resilient pads are mounted on the circuit board and engage the housing attached to the rotor.

Abstract: An improved cutting and drive structure is disclosed that is particularly useful in conjunction with tilling apparatus for sod seeding purposes. The structure includes a tillage blade or cutter wheel mounted for rotation by a drive structure that includes a rotatable drive shaft. The cutter wheel has a thin disc-like body portion and a periphery with a plurality of teeth thereon, with different teeth being offset in opposite directions from the plane of the body portion. The offset teeth which in a preferred embodiment have hard-facing on the cutting surface, have a specific configuration to allow the cutting wheel to produce a furrow in ground contacted by the wheel, with the furrow being wider than the body portion of the wheel due to the offset teeth, and this results in reduced soil compaction at the bottom of the furrow, as well as loose dirt therein to provide cover for seed deposited in the furrow.

Abstract: A dual packer unit is disclosed that is particularly useful for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes an H-shaped mounting bracket consisting of an arcuate leg connected at opposite ends to a pivot arm and a wheel mounting arm. The pivot arm is integrally formed with one end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the pivot arm, and the wheel mounting arm is integrally formed with the other end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the wheel mounting arm so that the ends of the pivot arm may be pivotally mounted between a pair of seed tubes, and packer wheels may be mounted for free rotation at the ends of the wheel mounting arms. When so mounted, each packer wheel is received in a furrow immediately following and in line with the seed tube. The packer wheels are gravity biased downwardly toward a cut furrow, and the unit therefore provides sufficient flexibility to follow the contour of the ground and to follow the cut furrow regardless of the depth selected.