Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. One system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. Another system provides that a one or more magnet holders are mounted on louvers and, spaced away, sensors sense magnets in the magnet holders to determine the rotational position of the louvers. Either system allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing systems are configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the CAN bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. One system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. Another system provides that a one or more magnet holders are mounted on louvers and, spaced away, sensors sense magnets in the magnet holders to determine the rotational position of the louvers. Either system allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing systems are configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the CAN bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilizes energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator. The capacity of one of the machines is limited in a motoring mode to determine a maximum rate of efflux from one of the chambers. The pressure of fluid supplied to the other of said chambers is maintained at a predetermined level to provide motive force. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store surplus energy.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilises energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an x-ray system includes an x-ray emitter having a first electrode and a second electrode. A high voltage supply is electrically connected to the first electrode. A power supply is electrically connected to the second electrode. A controller electrically connected to the high voltage supply and power supply is configured to provide a predetermined parameter to the second electrode during operation of the x-ray emitter to generate the predetermined dose rate from the x-ray emitter. During operation of the x-ray emitter, at least one operational value of the second electrode corresponding to the predetermined parameter is measured and combined with the predetermined parameter using an algorithm to obtain a modified predetermined parameter to be provided by the controller to the second electrode during a subsequent operation of the x-ray emitter.

Abstract: A safety brake is provided for a cement truck chute to immobilize the chute from lateral movement relative to the cement truck chassis. Movement of the cement truck chute is controlled by a ram which is secured to a vertically oriented ram pivot axle rotatably mounted in a sleeve secured to the truck chassis. A first horizontal brake pad is located concentrically about the ram pivot axle and is immobilized relative to the chassis. The safety brake includes a pneumatic actuator having a housing and a plunger actuable for reciprocal movement relative to the housing. A flat, horizontal ram coupling plate is rigidly secured to the ram pivot axle and holds the pneumatic actuator housing at a spaced elevation thereabove with the pneumatic actuator plunger coaxially aligned with the ram pivot axle. A horizontal intermediate plate is located between the ram coupling plate and the pneumatic actuator housing and is secured to the pneumatic actuator plunger.