Abstract: A seed planting system providing optimal seed spacing in an agricultural field. The seed planting system includes a mobile seed planter having one or more planting shoes, or members being adapted for towing by a farm vehicle or being self-propelled. Sensors, disposed proximate to respective planting shoes, detect seed planting events and send corresponding signals to a computer. Contemporaneously, a geospatial locator acquires, and transmits to the computer, the geospatial location of each planted seed. The computer correlates the geospatial location data with the seed deposition data and generates a seed distribution profile indicating the location of each seed planted in a zone of interest to enable the control of speed spacing.

Abstract: A remotely controlled sensor platform apparatus useful in a dig-face characterization system is deployed from a mobile delivery device such as standard heavy construction equipment. The sensor apparatus is designed to stabilize sensors against extraneous motions induced by heavy equipment manipulations or other outside influences, and includes a terrain sensing and sensor elevation control system to maintain the sensors in close ground proximity. The deployed sensor apparatus is particularly useful in collecting data in work environments where human access is difficult due to the presence of hazardous conditions, rough terrain, or other circumstances that prevent efficient data collection by conventional methods. Such work environments include hazardous waste sites, unexploded ordnance sites, or construction sites.

Abstract: A self-propelled core-cutting apparatus is used to cut circular slots in pavement extending about manhole castings and the like to permit castings and surrounding cores of pavement to be removed quickly and easily for such purposes as elevating the level of manhole castings to align with new pavement. The apparatus has a transport carriage to which are connected 1) a large diameter, generally cylindrical core-cutting bit, 2) power-operated support and drive systems mounting the bit for vertical and rotary movement relative to the carriage along and about a vertically extending center axis, and 3) a power-operated stabilization system that makes use of the weight of the apparatus in maintaining desired positioning of the apparatus during cutting operations.

Abstract: A flow control nozzle for bottom-pour ladles having a castellated entry and cruciform exit to inhibit the break up of an exiting liquid metal stream from a bottom-pour ladle while using a conventional stopper-rod to control the flow of the liquid metal stream to a mold. The nozzle is formed of a fused silica, sintered calcia or other appropriate refractories to inhibit nozzle blockage.

Abstract: A bottom circular tray, a circular top cap and one or more circular disks are coupled thereto, the disks, the top cap and the bottom tray having a common central sprue or cylinder. The plurality of disks form an ascending spiral path from the bottom tray to the top cap. Liquid metal will flow through the central sprue to the bottom tray and up through the ascending spiral path to the top cap and into the mold cavity to form an inclusion free casting.