Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically pulsing chemical with seed. The system and method incorporate a seed dispensing tube configured to dispense seeds, a granule tube configured to dispense chemical, an electrical valve configured to open so that chemical granules may be dispensed from the chemical granule tube, and a proximity sensor operably coupled to the electrical valve, the sensor being configured to sense a seed dispensed from the seed dispensing tube. The system may also include a metering mechanism for metering the quantity of chemical that is dispensed with the seed. The metering mechanism may be controlled by a radar unit on a tractor associated with the system, and the metering mechanism may be programmed to dispense a predetermined quantity of chemical with the seed.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically pulsing chemical with seed. The system and method incorporate a seed dispensing tube configured to dispense seeds, a granule tube configured to dispense chemical, an electrical valve configured to open so that chemical granules may be dispensed from the chemical granule tube, and a proximity sensor operably coupled to the electrical valve, the sensor being configured to sense a seed dispensed from the seed dispensing tube. The system may also include a metering mechanism for metering the quantity of chemical that is dispensed with the seed. The metering mechanism may be controlled by a radar unit on a tractor associated with the system, and the metering mechanism may be programmed to dispense a predetermined quantity of chemical with the seed.

Abstract: A self-calibrating metering system for dispensing chemical granules. The system incorporates a flow sensor configured to sense a greater flow rate at the inlet aperture than at the outlet aperture. Further included is an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the flow rate of the meter so as to calibrate the meter according to a known flow rate through a calibrated orifice within the meter. An electromechanical solenoid may be energized by a subcontroller operably coupled to the metering apparatus to allow chemical granules to flow by gravity from the pesticide container that may be disposed above the metering apparatus. The metering apparatus may be disposed on a planter unit designed to deposit granular materials with seed during the planting process. The metering system further includes an in-meter diffuser that receives foreign material and lumps in order to prevent the metering apparatus from becoming clogged.