Abstract: An oil filter removal and drain system including an oil-filter-removal assembly and a drain-attachment assembly in functional combination. The oil-filter-removal assembly includes a top-frame, a bottom-frame, a geared-socket-hub, a filter-socket, a plurality of geared-clamp-jaws, a filter-gasket, and a toggle-clamp in functional and structural combination. The drain-attachment assembly includes a drain-attachment-body, a drain-toggle-clamp, a drain-nipple, and a filter-cutter. The drain-attachment assembly is removably affixable to the oil-filter-removal assembly via the plurality keyhole-stud-receivers of the drain-attachment assembly accepting and retaining the plurality of keyhole-studs of the oil-filter-removal assembly. An oil-filter-removal assembly may be used on many different types of fluid filters (e.g., hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, engine oil, etc.).

Abstract: A valve actuating apparatus is provided for operating a valve between an open and closed position. The valve actuating apparatus includes an actuator having an output member with the actuator providing reciprocating motion to the output member upon energization of the actuator. A guide member having a detent therein is connected to the output member of the actuator. The apparatus includes a clutch assembly having a housing, an electromagnet assembly, an engagement member, and a housing opening with the engagement member disposed in the housing between the electromagnet assembly, and the housing opening. The housing opening is adapted to receive the guide member therein such that the clutch assembly and a portion of the guide member are slidably connected. The electromagnet assembly is selectively energized to force the engagement member against the guide member disposed in the housing opening.

Abstract: An electronic rate meter controller is provided for controlling the dispensing of meterable material by an applicator apparatus, typically in the agricultural area. The rate meter controller retrofits a manually-controllable rate meter within the applicator apparatus that controls the rate of material flow through the applicator by adjustment to a primary control member of the rate meter, such as a rotary calibration dial. The rate meter controller allows for automatic electronic control and adjustment to the rate meter by the primary control member, based on user inputs and certain sensor inputs. Typical sensor inputs include speed of the applicator apparatus as it is being moved while dispensing the metered material, and ambient air temperature which affects the applicator system pressure for certain materials such as anhydrous ammonia. The rate meter controller also allows for manual electronic remote control of the rate meter, such as from a cab of a vehicle moving the applicator apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid agricultural agent at a desired rate. A source of the liquid is pressurized and passed in parallel though at least one regulating capillary tube of such diameter and length as to regulate the rate of dispensing of the liquid at the desired rate. A pressure of the liquid is sensed and controlled for the purpose of adjusting the above-mentioned flow rate. A flow rate of the liquid is sensed and used with the sensed pressure to detect and alert a user of possible problems in the system, such as clogging of a dispensing outlet. A ground speed of the farm tractor which is transporting the system can he sensed in order to calculate the appropriate flow rate. A geographical location a farm machine in order to facilitate "prescription farming". The liquid may be injected and mixed with a carrier, and the mixing can be done in close proximity to an outlet orifice.

Abstract: A fluid delivery control system is provided for controlling a fluid delivery system to deliver a fluid under pressure at a target flow rate. In a hybrid mode, the preferred fluid delivery control system is responsive to signals from a pressure sensor and a flowmeter. Primary feedback control is provided using the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor, and the sensed flow rate from the flowmeter is utilized to provide compensation for the pressure responsive feedback control and to provide accurate measurements of flow rate and total flow for the fluid delivery system. The preferred fluid delivery control system is also capable of operating in flowmeter and pressure modes which are only responsive to signals from a flowmeter and a pressure sensor, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid delivery control system is utilized in a mobile sprayer system for applying an agent over a surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of leather belts and aprons for textile machines in which the natural smooth and relatively non-fibrous grain surface of the leather is removed to expose the natural inner flesh surface and subjecting the surface to mechanical treatment by setting or rolling to compact the surface and impregnating the surface with a polymeric substance to consolidate the surface layer to produce a belt or apron with a smooth non-tacky surface.