Abstract: An improved engine load management system that will de-excite the field coils of an alternator that is driven by an internal combustion engine when the battery that the alternator charges is above a required minimum voltage and when the engine is operating under high load conditions such as acceleration or climbing. When the battery charge falls below the required minimum, the system excites the alternator field coils and permits the alternator to charge the battery despite a high engine load condition. When the battery charge is above the minimum required voltage, but below the voltage at which charging is discontinued, and the engine is under high load, the alternator field coils are energized and de-energized in a cycle that reduces alternator drag on the engine, but permits limited battery charging to occur.

Abstract: The improved engine load management system of the present invention includes an apparatus that will de-excite the field coils of an alternator that is driven by an internal combustion engine when the battery that the alternator charges is above a required minimum voltage and when the engine is operating under high load conditions such as acceleration or climbing. When the battery charge falls below the required minimum, the apparatus excites the alternator field coils and permits the alternator to charge the battery despite a high engine load condition. When the battery charge is above the minimum required voltage, but below the voltage at which charging is discontinued, and the engine is under high load, the alternator field coils are energized and de-energized in a cycle that reduces alternator drag on the engine, but permits limited battery charging to occur.

Abstract: A flowmeter has an elongated probe with a rotor positioned at the distal end of the probe for insertion into a fluid flow and an elongated conductor in the probe that terminates adjacent the rotor. A signal generator induces a standing wave on the conductor, and rotation of the rotor, which acts as a capacitor, induces a reciprocating phase shift in the standing wave. The rate of reciprocation of the phase shift, as well as the change in amplitude at a point on the conductor, is proportional to, and indicative of, the flow rate of the fluid and is detected and measured as an instrumentation signal. The probe, rotor, circuit insulation, and seal components are all fabricated of materials that withstand extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A steam system management method and apparatus includes a condensate collection reservoir with a pilot operated, pressure actuated dump valve that has a quick, snap action fully open/fully closed mode of operation. The pilot operation of the dump valve is actuated by a very low voltage solenoid actuator powered by a thermal-electric generator which thermionically converts heat from the steam system directly to electricity. Condensate dumps are controlled by liquid level sensing switches positioned near the top and bottom of the reservoir and electrically connected to a relay logic that turns the solenoid on and off. Temperature sensors positioned in the steam system and adjacent the thermal-electric generator are utilized in combination with the thermal electric generator and a microprocessor to monitor the air content in the steam system and to open the dump valve to purge excess air from the steam system.

Abstract: A disc harrow has a shock absorbing and frame attitude maintaining mechanism which embodies a bell crank lever pivotally connected at its apex to the hinged hitch structure of the implement frame. One arm of the lever is operatively connected through a rigid link to the rockshaft which is axially rotated to raise and lower the transport wheels of the implement. The other arm of the lever is connected to one member of a vertically extending spring-loaded link having a second member anchored to the implement frame. This second member has a pair of stops between which a spring is confined in compression; and the first member acts on the spring against one or the other of said stops in response to both raising and lowering of the transport wheels to maintain a constant frame attitude.

Abstract: The invention provides a folding wing disc harrow wherein a hydraulic operating mechanism is provided for folding and unfolding the wings through an arc of more than 180.degree. through the positive bidirectional linear movement of the plunger of a double acting hydraulic cylinder cooperating with the wing to which it is connected, for said folding and unfolding operations, and which mechanism allows a limited angular free floating motion of the wing above and below the horizontal "unfolded" or "working" position when the hydraulic control valve is set accordingly. The connection of the hydraulic piston rod with the wing is so organized that the straight line motion of the piston rod is enabled to fold and unfold the wing through an arc well in excess of 180.degree. and is organized to allow a limited free floating action of the wing for following the soil surface variations.The ability of the present invention to swing the wing through 180.degree.