Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: A tractor includes a hitch for pulling a ground-engaging implement. A hydraulic cylinder is extendable and retractable to lower and raise the implement. A control system senses operating parameters, including wheel slip, engine speed, draft force and implement or rackshaft position. Error signals derived from the sensed wheel slip, engine speed and draft force are combined into a composite or combined error signal. The larger of the combined error signal, or a separately determined position error signal, is selected and converted to a pulsewidth modulated valve control signal which is applied to a control valve which then actuates the cylinder to move the implement to reduce the magnitude of the selected error signal.

Abstract: A hitch control system includes a position control lever coupled to a transducer which produces desired position signals, a draft force sensor and a hitch position sensor. A push-button switch is mounted in the control lever housing. A signal processor stores selected values of the sensed draft force in response to actuation of the push-button switch. The signal processor generates position error signals from the desired position and sensed position signals, and generates a load error signal from the sensed draft force and the stored selected draft force values. The hitch is controlled as a function of these errors.

Abstract: A conventional non-electrical draft/position responsive hitch control system is modified to respond to an electrical control signal derived from sensed engine droop and wheel slip.

Abstract: A total fluid power system for an engine powered vehicle includes an engine driven, variable displacement pump, a pair of variable displacement wheel motors and auxiliary functions. Transducers sense engine speed, pump output pressure and motor speeds to supply signals to pump and motor controls which process the signals with operator input signals to maintain pump and motor displacements for optimum engine power usage and desired vehicle performance.

Abstract: A vehicle with a total power fluid system includes a pair of drive wheels, variable displacement, fluid motors driven by an engine driven, variable displacement, fluid pump. The motor displacements are controlled by operator speed input and speed sensing controls, and the pump displacement is controlled by a pressure sensing pressure control. A vehicle steering control includes an operator steering input control connected to a steerable wheel control for actuating a valve for holding, turning, or castering fluidly steerable wheels which are capable of turning the vehicle. The operator steering input control is further connected to the operator speed input controls to slow the turn-side drive wheel motor during either a steerable wheel controlled or an emergency, drive wheel controlled turn. During either an electrical failure or a hydraulic failure sensed by the inability of the steerable wheels to follow the operator steering input control, the valve will be actuated to caster the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the load exerted on a member includes two spaced apart, aligned stationary capacitor plates and a movable capacitor plate disposed intermediate the two stationary plates and spaced therefrom to form two air dielectric capacitors. The stationary plates are attached at one point to the member and the movable plate is connected by a shaft to a second point. Loading the member causes elastic deformation between the first and second points which causes the movable plate to move relative to the stationary plates. This relative movement causes differential changes in capacitance in the two capacitors which are detected and conditioned to form a usable control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle power steering system including an electro-hydraulic safety backup system for supplying pressurized fluid to the steering motor of the vehicle when the pressure between the main pump and the power steering system drops below a predetermined pressure level. The safety backup system includes an electrical circuit which is added on to the ignition and starting circuits of a vehicle such that the backup system will not operate in response to intermittent short duration pressure drops. The electrical circuit includes an arming feature to prevent the backup system from operating during initial start-up of the vehicle and further provides for operation of the vehicle's starting motor to have priority over the backup system operation.