Abstract: A method of preparing a feedstock material for additive manufacturing includes: processing powders into a billet, the billet comprising a metal matrix composite including nanoscale ceramic particles embedded in an aluminum alloy matrix; extruding the billet into an extruded preform, whereby the nanoscale ceramic particles are substantially fully embedded within grains and/or grain boundaries of the aluminum alloy matrix; and forming a feedstock material for additive manufacturing from the extruded preform, the nanoscale ceramic particles being or remaining substantially fully embedded within the aluminum alloy matrix.

Abstract: A valve control unit is connected to a control valve and automatically moves a valve spool first and second bleed positions. The control unit prevents valve bleed if the control valve is in its extend or retract position under command of the operator. The control unit prevents a valve bleed if a temperature of oil in the reservoir is not less than a reference temperature. The control unit prevents a valve bleed if a speed of the vehicle is less than a reference speed. The control unit automatically returns the spool to its neutral position from the first and second bleed positions.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.

Abstract: A mapping system is movable over a terrain and operates to generate a map. The mapping system includes a geographical location unit generating location data, a timer generating time data, a pair of different interfaces for inputting flag data, such as a speech interface and a manual interface. The system also includes a processing unit connected to the geographical location unit and to the interfaces. The processing unit has a stored first delay time corresponding to the speech interface and having a stored second delay time corresponding to the manual interface. The second delay time is longer than the first delay time. The processing unit stores current time data and flag data in response to use of a selected one of the interfaces. The processing unit generates compensated time data as a function of the current time data and the delay time corresponding to the selected interface. The processing unit generates compensated location data as a function of the compensated time data.