Abstract: A system and method are provided for work cycle tracking for a self-propelled work vehicle having an integrated or drawn/pushed implement, for example comprising a scraper, and a loading container for receiving material worked thereby. First sensors generate data corresponding to operating parameters of the work vehicle, and second sensors generate data corresponding to operating parameters of the implement. Data storage includes, for each of various work states associated with the work cycle, correlations between operating parameters, of the work vehicle and/or implement, and a start or completion of the respective work state. A controller determines a current work state of the various work states associated with the work cycle based on current input data from the first and second sets of sensors, with respect to the stored correlations, and generates one or more output signals based on the determined work state.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling operation of earth working machines, e.g., scraper units configured to load, transport, and unload material depending on the respective work state. A design plan (e.g., a cut-fill map) is obtained corresponding to a working area to which the earth working machines are assigned. For each of the machines, the method further includes generating and/or selectively retrieving performance optimization data sets comprising a loading capacity and loading rates correlated to combinations of input data for working parameters for the respective machine, generating a work plan comprising a route of advance and corresponding work state transitions of the machine with respect to the working area, wherein the work plan is generated based at least in part on the performance optimization data sets and the design plan, and automatically controlling working parameters for the machine in accordance with the generated work plan.

Abstract: A feeder having a reduced compression gravity-feed clean food-recycling system providing clean food for a bird including a pair of side panels; a manicuring perch with a serrated surface adjacent the side panels for wearing down a toenail of the bird while feeding; a manger floor with a pair of particle egress notches adjacent the pair of side panels supporting the clean food; a pair of settling slots established by the pair of particle egress notches, the manger floor and the pair of side panels passing particles of food; a manger stop adjacent the manger floor for confining the clean food; a catch encompassed by the pair of side panels, the manicuring perch, the settling slots and the manger stop accommodating clean food spilled or discarded by the bird; and a reclamation slide adjacent the side panels for collecting food and food particles.

Abstract: A steering shaft coupling comprising: an outer tubular shaft member, a coaxial inner shaft member slidably inserted within the outer tubular shaft member, the outer tubular shaft member having an inner peripheral wall and the inner shaft member having an outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall having complementary shapes, the complementary shapes transmitting torque between the shaft members, and a biasing member between the inner shaft member and the outer tubular shaft member, the biasing member causing a force opposing the transmitted torque.