Abstract: A method of operating an agricultural vehicle includes the steps of: generating active runtime data based on performance of the vehicle, receiving a signal to activate a kill-stall procedure of the vehicle, recording the active runtime data as recorded runtime data prior to kill-stalling the vehicle, and kill-stalling the vehicle.

Abstract: A progressive sieve assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes a sieve having a frame, a first subset of louvers that are pivotably connected to the frame, and a second subset of louvers that are also pivotably connected to the frame. The second subset of louvers are positioned downstream of the first subset of louvers as viewed in a direction of travel of grain across the sieve assembly. The first subset of louvers are configured to pivot independently of the second subset of louvers, and the second subset of louvers are configured to pivot independently of the first subset of louvers.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural harvester includes: at least one sieve; a cleaning blower directed at the at least one sieve and configured to supply a cleaning air flow directed at the at least one sieve; and a conveyor assembly configured to supply crop material to the at least one sieve. The conveyor assembly includes: a conveyor frame; a shaker coupled to the conveyor frame and configured to shake the conveyor frame; and an endless conveyor carried by the conveyor frame and including a conveyor loop with a substantially solid surface and a conveyor driver coupled to the conveyor loop, the conveyor driver being configured to selectively rotate the conveyor loop.

Abstract: A combine harvester with a chopper for chopping residue straw, and a spreader system for spreading the chopped residue straw in an area behind the combine harvester. The combine harvester further includes a radar-based residue monitoring system for monitoring a spreading distribution of the chopped residue straw. A controller is configured to receive sensor signals from one or more radar sensors of the radar-based residue monitoring system, to detect a presence of the nearby vehicle based on the received sensor signals, and to generate a warning signal in dependence of the presence of the nearby vehicle.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural harvester includes: at least one sieve; a cleaning blower directed at the at least one sieve and configured to supply a cleaning air flow directed at the at least one sieve; and a conveyor assembly configured to supply crop material to the at least one sieve. The conveyor assembly includes: a conveyor frame; a shaker coupled to the conveyor frame and configured to shake the conveyor frame; and an endless conveyor carried by the conveyor frame and including a conveyor loop with a substantially solid surface and a conveyor driver coupled to the conveyor loop, the conveyor driver being configured to selectively rotate the conveyor loop.

Abstract: A gun cabinet has an opening door and an enclosure with a bottom wall having a slot. The enclosure contains a drawer which is supported on a caster wheel on an associated floor. The drawer is slidably attached to the enclosure so that the drawer can be pulled substantially out of the enclosure or rolled back into the enclosure with the caster wheel being received into the slot in the bottom wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: A threshing and separating system including a non-stationary rotor cage including a perforated cylindrical body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first open end portion to a second open end portion. The first open end portion supported by a first rotatable coupling point, and the second open end portion supported by a second rotatable coupling point. The threshing and separating system also includes a rotor configured to rotate within the non-stationary rotor cage to thresh harvested crop. The non-stationary rotor cage is configured to rotate about an axis extending between the first rotatable coupling point and the second rotatable coupling point, and to be rotationally driven by the rotor via the threshed harvested crop.

Abstract: A threshing and separating system including a non-stationary rotor cage including a perforated cylindrical body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first open end portion to a second open end portion. The first open end portion supported by a first rotatable coupling point, and the second open end portion supported by a second rotatable coupling point. The threshing and separating system also includes a rotor configured to rotate within the non-stationary rotor cage to thresh harvested crop. The non-stationary rotor cage is configured to rotate about an axis extending between the first rotatable coupling point and the second rotatable coupling point, and to be rotationally driven by the rotor via the threshed harvested crop.

Abstract: A gun cabinet has an opening door and an enclosure with a bottom wall having a slot. The enclosure contains a drawer which is supported on a caster wheel on an associated floor. The drawer is slidably attached to the enclosure so that the drawer can be pulled substantially out of the enclosure or rolled back into the enclosure with the caster wheel being received into the slot in the bottom wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region is disclosed. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region is disclosed. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A mold and method for making a hollow core concrete block. The mold has two opposing side walls; a bottom wall; a front wall; a top side with an opening through which the block can be removed from the mold; a cover, and a rear side through which liquid, such as concrete, can be poured into the mold. Extending from the two side walls are a pair of trunnions about which the mold is rotatable, such that when the mold is suspended by the trunnions and the mold is empty, gravity rotates the mold from a block-removal orientation in which the top side faces upwards to a mold-filling orientation in which the rear side faces upwards. The trunnions are also positioned such that when the mold is filled with the liquid, gravity rotates the mold from the mold-filling orientation to the block-removal orientation.

Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A mold and method for making a hollow core concrete block. The mold has two opposing side walls; a bottom wall; a front wall; a top side with an opening through which the block can be removed from the mold; a cover, and a rear side through which liquid, such as concrete, can be poured into the mold. Extending from the two side walls are a pair of trunnions about which the mold is rotatable, such that when the mold is suspended by the trunnions and the mold is empty, gravity rotates the mold from a block-removal orientation in which the top side faces upwards to a mold-filling orientation in which the rear side faces upwards. The trunnions are also positioned such that when the mold is filled with the liquid, gravity rotates the mold from the mold-filling orientation to the block-removal orientation.

Abstract: A communication system provides communication services to a plurality of communication devices. The communication system includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter, a first receiving antenna, a second receiving antenna, a second receiver, and a communication interface. The transmitter transmits first wireless signals via the transmitting antenna. The first receiving antenna has a first coverage area of less than forty five degrees. The first receiver receives second wireless signals via the first receiving antenna. The second receiving antenna has a second coverage area of less than forty five degrees, and the second coverage area of the second receiving antenna is within the first coverage area. The second receiver receives third wireless signals via the second receiving antenna. The communication interface provides the communication services between the communication network and the user communication devices.

Abstract: SHINGLESAW™ is a pneumatically powered miniaturized circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. A planetary gear set is provided to reduce the RPMs of the saw an increase torque, allowing the saw to cut though heavy and sticky roofing materials even when used with a low CFM roofer's compressor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, SHINGLE KNIFE™, comprises a pneumatically powered miniaturized reciprocating or circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. In an alternative embodiment, SHINGLE KNIFE™ may be powered by rechargeable battery packs or the like. SHINGLE KNIFE™ is roughly size and shape of a Prior Art razor knife, but may be powered and provided with a depth gauge to prevent cutting through roofing underlayment or the like. In another embodiment of the present invention, the SHINGLE KNIFE™ may be provided for cutting sheetrock. A reciprocating, sharpened hook shaped blade pulls though the sheetrock, making a clean cut with little or no powdery debris. The SHINGLE KNIFE for sheetrock may be air or battery powered.

Abstract: A lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support is provided which may be marketed under the name GABLEMASTER™, a trademark of the inventor. A pair of rails are provided, spaced approximately 24 inches apart, the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. The platform may be provided with a number of aluminum beams drilled with suitable holes, spaced apart and shaped so as to accept the leg of a standard extension ladder or siding jack. Bolts or pins may be passed through the holes to secure the ladder or jack to the platform. In addition, the platform may support a walking board, scaffold, or the like.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter, a directional receiving antenna, a receiver, and a communication interface. The transmitter transmits first wireless signals via a transmitting antenna. A directional receiving antenna has an angle of less than forty five degrees and the directional receiving antenna is directed toward an angular area of less than forty five degrees. A receiver receives second wireless signals via the directional receiving antenna. A communication interface is connected to the receiver, the transmitter, and a communication network. The communication interface provides the communication services between a communication network and the user communication devices.