Abstract: A real-time performance evaluation system can compare machine performance to a performance standard. A Fleet Operations Subsystem (FOS) can determine a machine status such as Parked, Idle, Working, Travel or Turning. The FOS can be configured to determine machine performance by determining the amount of time spent in each status. The performance can be compared to predetermined performance standards, for example a minimum number of hours spent working, or a maximum number of hours spent idle. A performance score can be generated based on the comparison. A report of the performance evaluation can be provided. A report can be in the form of a performance marker graphic on a visual display. The performance marker can represent the performance score. The performance marker can be in the form of an alarm symbol for a poorly performing machine. The system provides an operator or manager the opportunity to improve machine performance.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle tracking system provides a moving geofence about the location of a vehicle. When the moving geofence contacts a point of interest, such as another moving geofence, an alert is issued. The particular characteristics of the moving geofence may be generated in accordance with a predetermined scheme.

Abstract: A steerable endoscopic tool uses concentric sleeves of varying curvature to steer a tool tip toward or in the direction of a location of surgical interest. By rotating and/or axially displacing such sleeves relative to one another the tool tip may be maneuvered within a current field of view with several degrees of freedom without any physical movement of an endoscope, thus facilitating improved surgical access and control without complex mechanical systems in the endoscope or at the surgical site.

Abstract: A guidance system for a mobile machine includes a location determining device for determining a location of the machine, a user interface and a controller. The controller is configured to receive location information from the location determining device, detect a path followed by the machine using the location information and, as the machine travels the path, receive waypoint information from a user via the user interface indicating a plurality of initial waypoints associated with the path. The controller is further configured to present the initial waypoints to the user, receive selected waypoint information from the user via the user interface indicating one or more of the initial waypoints as selected waypoints, and automatically guide the machine using the one or more selected waypoints.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular wind chime system having a plurality of modules which can be readily connected and disconnected, based on user preference. A supporting platform includes a plurality of receptacles which enable the coupling of various modules through the use of releasable fasteners.

Abstract: The telescopic sight alignment tool is used to align the horizontal and vertical axes of the scope with corresponding axes of the firearm upon which the scope is mounted. The tool comprises a unitary structure having a plate with a vertical crosshair alignment slit, with an ocular seat extending forward from the lower portion of the plate. Upper and lower alignment indicators extend from the plate. Alternative embodiments provide variations upon the alignment indicators. The tool is placed upon the ocular of the scope and secured adjustably thereon with an elastic band. The tool is rotated to align the slit precisely with the vertical crosshair of the scope. The scope is then rotated in its mounts until at least one of the indicators of the tool is aligned with an element of the firearm, e.g., front sight, tang of the action, etc., and the mounts tightened to secure the scope.

Abstract: The telescopic sight ring mounts alignment tool is an elongate, rigid, unitary, monolithic, solid bar having an outside diameter fitting closely within the mounting rings for a telescopic sight on a firearm. The tool may be used to secure dovetail mount-type scope rings to the firearm by securing the tool within each ring separately, and torqueing the tool to secure each ring in sequence. Alignment of rings of any mounting configuration with the barrel bore is checked by securing the tool within both rings and checking alignment of the beveled conical rear and the tapered front tip of the tool, respectively, with the receiver tang and the barrel of the firearm. The tool may be manufactured with an outside diameter dimensioned and configured to fit different inside diameter rings. Alternatively, different diameter sleeves may be provided to adapt a single tool for use with different inside diameter rings.

Abstract: The telescopic sight alignment tool is used to align the horizontal and vertical axes of the scope with corresponding axes of the firearm upon which the scope is mounted. The tool comprises a unitary structure having a plate with a vertical crosshair alignment slit, with an ocular seat extending forward from the lower portion of the plate. Upper and lower alignment indicators extend from the plate. Alternative embodiments provide variations upon the alignment indicators. The tool is placed upon the ocular of the scope and secured adjustably thereon with an elastic band. The tool is rotated to align the slit precisely with the vertical crosshair of the scope. The scope is then rotated in its mounts until at least one of the indicators of the tool is aligned with an element of the firearm, e.g., front sight, tang of the action, etc., and the mounts tightened to secure the scope.

Abstract: The telescopic sight ring mounts alignment tool is an elongate, rigid, unitary, monolithic, solid bar having an outside diameter fitting closely within the mounting rings for a telescopic sight on a firearm. The tool may be used to secure dovetail mount-type scope rings to the firearm by securing the tool within each ring separately, and torqueing the tool to secure each ring in sequence. Alignment of rings of any mounting configuration with the barrel bore is checked by securing the tool within both rings and checking alignment of the beveled conical rear and the tapered front tip of the tool, respectively, with the receiver tang and the barrel of the firearm. The tool may be manufactured with an outside diameter dimensioned and configured to fit different inside diameter rings. Alternatively, different diameter sleeves may be provided to adapt a single tool for use with different inside diameter rings.

Abstract: A quiet motor control system is described. This system digitally determines modulated voltages applied to motor phases in a manner that compensates for winding torque distortions, which reduces acoustic emissions.

Abstract: An oral function and dysfunction quantification device that automatically records the amount of time required for a laboratory animal to gnaw through multiple obstructions in a tube comprising a confinement tube and spring-loaded polymer dowels that actuate timers to precisely record the time required for a rodent to complete a discrete gnawing task. The investigation of human orofacial pain requires an animal test that objectively measures impairment secondary to pain during an oral function (gnawing) that is analogous to behavior that elicits pain in human patients (chewing). The device can also evaluate behavioral change secondary to complex disorders such as anxiety and depression and facilitate evaluation of molecular mechanisms and pharmacologic therapies relevant to chronic orofacial pain and behavioral disorders.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle tracking system provides a moving geofence about the location of a vehicle. When the moving geofence contacts a point of interest, such as another moving geofence, an alert is issued. The particular characteristics of the moving geofence may be generated in accordance with a predetermined scheme.

Abstract: A real-time performance determination system is configured to determine machine performance over a predetermined time interval. An automatic data unit onboard a machine can provide apparatus data to a Fleet Operations System (FOS) of a Fleet Management System. Apparatus data can be used to determine a machine status such as Parked, Idle, Working, Travel or Turning. A performance determination module of the FOS can determine the amount of time a machine spent in a particular status. A performance report can include a graphical indicator in a visual display that can convey the percentage of time spent in each status. A report can include performance determinations for a plurality of machines, each represented by performance indicator that allows easy comparison of machines. A performance report can be provided to a fleet manager for fleet management purposes such as scheduling and allocation of resources, as well as performing machine maintenance and adjustments.

Abstract: A real-time performance evaluation system can compare machine performance to a performance standard. A Fleet Operations Subsystem (FOS) can determine a machine status such as Parked, Idle, Working, Travel or Turning. The FOS can be configured to determine machine performance by determining the amount of time spent in each status. The performance can be compared to predetermined performance standards, for example a minimum number of hours spent working, or a maximum number of hours spent idle. A performance score can be generated based on the comparison. A report of the performance evaluation can be provided. A report can be in the form of a performance marker graphic on a visual display. The performance marker can represent the performance score. The performance marker can be in the form of an alarm symbol for a poorly performing machine. The system provides an operator or manager the opportunity to improve machine performance.

Abstract: An automatic machine status detection system uses apparatus data from one or more sensors or machine components to determine a status for an agricultural machine. An automatic data unit onboard a machine can receive apparatus data and communicate it to a central management system. In an exemplary embodiment, a status determination module can receive the apparatus data, use the to make one or more state determinations, and based on the results of those determinations, determine an activity status for a machine. Engine state, motion state, heading state, implement state and PTO state can be used to determine that a machine has a status identified as “Off”, “Idle”, “Traveling”, “Turning” or “Working”. Machine status information can be provided to a user to improve operations efficiency and facilitate billing and administrative services.

Abstract: A field boundary may be provided. First, a plurality of location data points may be received. Next, it may be determined whether each of the plurality of location data points is associated with at least one work area. Then a boundary line of the at least one work area may be identified from at least a subset of the plurality of location data points.

Abstract: A system alerts a user that a vehicle will arrive at a point of interest within a predetermined time interval and includes a vehicle-mounted assembly and a remote assembly. The vehicle-mounted assembly includes a location-determining device connected to the vehicle for determining the location of the vehicle, and a first communication device connected to the location-determining device for sending data comprising the location of the vehicle over a communications network. The remote assembly includes a second communication device for receiving the data from the first communication device over a communications network, and a computing device in communication with the second communication device for computing a time-geofence, and for alerting the user.

Abstract: A quiet motor control system is described. This system digitally determines modulated voltages applied to motor phases in a manner that compensates for winding torque distortions, which reduces acoustic emissions.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for enclosed volumes having payloads of electronic or other equipment that are susceptible to failures when overheated. One particularly useful application of the present invention is in a cooling system for a turreted gimbaled system (i.e. a gimbal) that includes electronic and optical equipment typically used for surveillance, but many other applications will become apparent to those skilled in the art after being taught by the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the invention, a cooling system includes a pair of reciprocal openings between a gimbal sphere and yoke allowing for passage of air therethrough and a pair of fans for circulating the air between the sphere and yoke, thereby expanding the surface area available for heated air from the interior to conduct into the exterior air. In another example, a heat exchanger is provided in the yoke to allow further cooling of the circulated air.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging a product. The machine has a frame for supporting the product and a source of packaging material for supplying packaging material into a position to be engaged by and at least partially surround the product. At least one upper sealing assembly is adapted to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The upper sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing element for forming a seal along adjacent edges of the packaging material. At least one lower sealing assembly is adapted for cooperating engagement with the upper sealing assembly in its actuated position. The at least one upper and lower sealing assemblies are positioned for clamping engagement of the packaging material therebetween for forming the seal when the upper sealing assembly is moved to its actuated position in engagement with the lower sealing assembly.