Abstract: A heat exchange unit for a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube including a heat exchange tube inlet and one or more heat exchange fins coupled along the heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube extends from the heat exchange tube inlet to a refrigerant return. A heat exchange jacket is interposed between the heat exchange tube and a unit housing. The heat exchange jacket includes a jacket passage in communication with the refrigerant return. A first product passage extends from the product inlet to a product return. The heat exchange fins turbulate agricultural product in the first product passage while heat is transferred from the agricultural product to refrigerant in one or more of the heat exchange tube or the heat exchange jacket. Heat is transferred from the agricultural product to the refrigerant through the heat exchange jacket in the second product passage.

Abstract: A system comprises a distribution boom, a first pump device configured to provide a flow stream of a carrier substance for the distribution boom, a second pump device configured to supply a chemical substance into the flow stream of the carrier substance, and a control module. The distribution boom includes a plurality of boom sections. A boom section includes one or more dispensers, a mixing device configured to provide a combination of chemical and carrier to the one or more dispensers, and a control valve configured to supply the chemical substance to the mixing device. The control module is configured to individually control a rate of supply of the chemical substance to the boom section by the control valve.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a multi-section applicator having variable-rate sections. In an example, an apparatus can include at least one distribution manifold, a user interface, and an applicator controller. The at least one distribution manifold distributes a substance and can include an inlet port configured to receive the substance, a plurality of outlet ports, one or more sensors located at an outlet port, a controllable valve that supplies the substance to the inlet port. The applicator controller measures a value of the distribution parameter using the sensor signal produced by the at least one sensor of an outlet port, detects when the measured value differs from a specified target value by more than a specified error threshold value, and presents an indication, using the user interface, that the measured value differs from the target value according to the detection.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit for a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube including a heat exchange tube inlet and one or more heat exchange fins coupled along the heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube extends from the heat exchange tube inlet to a refrigerant return. A heat exchange jacket is interposed between the heat exchange tube and a unit housing. The heat exchange jacket includes a jacket passage in communication with the refrigerant return. A first product passage extends from the product inlet to a product return. The heat exchange fins turbulate agricultural product in the first product passage while heat is transferred from the agricultural product to refrigerant in one or more of the heat exchange tube or the heat exchange jacket. Heat is transferred from the agricultural product to the refrigerant through the heat exchange jacket in the second product passage.

Abstract: A system comprises a distribution boom, a first pump device configured to provide a flow stream of a carrier substance for the distribution boom, a second pump device configured to supply a chemical substance into the flow stream of the carrier substance, and a control module. The distribution boom includes a plurality of boom sections. A boom section includes one or more dispensers, a mixing device configured to provide a combination of chemical and carrier to the one or more dispensers, and a control valve configured to supply the chemical substance to the mixing device. The control module is configured to individually control a rate of supply of the chemical substance to the boom section by the control valve.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a multi-section applicator having variable-rate sections. In an example, an apparatus can include at least one distribution manifold, a user interface, and an applicator controller. The at least one distribution manifold distributes a substance and can include an inlet port configured to receive the substance, a plurality of outlet ports, one or more sensors located at an outlet port, a controllable valve that supplies the substance to the inlet port. The applicator controller measures a value of the distribution parameter using the sensor signal produced by the at least one sensor of an outlet port, detects when the measured value differs from a specified target value by more than a specified error threshold value, and presents an indication, using the user interface, that the measured value differs from the target value according to the detection.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for applying liquid substances, including gaseous/liquid substances using an adjustable pump control system. In certain examples, an example liquid application apparatus can include, a metering device to provide a flow of a first substance, one or more distribution branches to receive the flow of the first substance and release the first substance through an orifice of one of the one or more distribution branches; and an applicator controller including memory configured to store an application map, the applicator controller configured to receive speed information and position information of the apparatus, to determine application rate information of the first substance for each distribution branch using the speed information, the position information and the application map, and to provide a flow command to the metering device using the application rate information.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a multi-section applicator having variable-rate sections. In an example, an apparatus can include a flow meter to provide a substance to plurality of sections, and an applicator controller including memory configured to store a coverage map of the substance. In certain examples, each section can include a metering device configured to receive a flow command and to provide a flow of the substance to a manifold using the flow command. In certain examples, the applicator controller can be configured to receive speed information and position information of the apparatus, to receive the flow rate information, to determine application rate information of the substance for each section using the speed and position information, and the coverage map, and to provide the flow command to each metering device using the application rate and flow rate information.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a ground speed of a vehicle having an engine and a variable transmission that is driven by the engine. The system includes a mode selector that is movable for selection between a high speed mode of operation and a deceleration mode of operation. The system also includes a controller connected in communication with the mode selector and a manual input. The controller is configured to receive and store a deceleration gear value via the manual input for operation of the system. When the mode selector is selectively positioned for the deceleration mode of operation, the controller is operatively connected to cause the engine to operate at a deceleration engine speed value, and to cause the transmission to automatically shift to the deceleration gear value.

Abstract: A spray system is provided with improved spray control having decreased injection lag, and reducing non-uniformity in injection lag throughout the length of a spray boom. A pump is coupled to spray nozzles installed along the spray boom by manifolds which divide the spray boom into a predetermined number of zones. Each zone has a respective boom manifold, and each boom manifold is coupled through equal length line to the spray nozzles. The size of lines coupling the pump to the boom manifolds varies with position along the spray boom and restricting orifices are used in some of the connecting lines. Application systems constructed according to principles of the present invention respond quicker to changes in pump operating points than conventional systems and variability of injection lag along the length of the spray boom is virtually eliminated with the present invention.

Abstract: A multiple rig row crop cultivator with first and second concave disks supported for operation at two different depths from adjacent rigs to provide two-step sizing of residue. The first disk, located ahead of the second disk, operates at a first depth in the soil to slice out the upper portions of roots and direct plant residue to the row middle. The second disk cuts to a depth approximately twice that of the first disk to further cut out root sections and move the root sections and other plant debris to the opposite row middle. After the disks move stalks and roots to the row middles, sweeps with ridging/bedding wings move the mixture of soil, stalks, and roots to the top of the bed to cover the groove made by the disks and preserve the original plant bed.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep includes a body with a forward point and wings diverging outwardly in the rearward direction. In one embodiment, a row side sweep includes a row side wing angled upwardly from the horizontal at an angle of approximately 27 degrees, and the opposite wing is angled downwardly, to closely match the profile of the ground from the row bed to the row middle. In another embodiment of the invention, a wide sweep extends between the beds of adjacent rows and includes wings with outermost portions bent upwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal to provide a sweep profile which closely approximates the ground profile between the rows for more uniform depth of penetration, less soil throw and crop root damage, and reduced draft.

Abstract: A simple, light-weight C-shank standard is mounted on a bracket which is corner clamped to a rig cross tube on a row crop cultivator. A pin inserted through apertures in the bracket maintains the shank in a preselected field-working attitude. The pin can be removed to allow the shank to be pivoted upwardly for maintenance, sweep removal, or residue removal. The shank can be supported in the raised position by the pin when the cultivator configuration is changed for cultivation in lay-by conditions, or for operation in skip row or other special crop configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, the shank is edgebent and selective placement of the pin through one of a plurality of sets of mating holes in the bracket and the upper portion of the shank permits adjustment of the working position of the shank. A mounting slot at the lower end of the one embodiment of the shank provides pitch adjustment for the earthworking tool.

Abstract: A rig assembly on a combination row crop cultivator and chemical applicator includes a knife or other applicator device supported in front of the cultivator sweep and behind the disk coulter blade. The sweep helps seal the chemical in the ground in certain soil conditions to prevent chemical loss, particularly when additional closing structure is not in use. A selectively attachable, shank-mounted closing mechanism, preferably a press wheel, may be mounted directly behind the sweep to assure a good chemical seal. Disk coulter support straps have flanges that provide a conveniently accessed mount for the applicator device and present minimal interference to trash and soil flow. A simple bracket connects an arm on the closing wheel mechanism to a central portion of the sweep standard. Numerous combinations of tools and tool mounting arrangements and adjustments are facilitated by the rig construction.

Abstract: A linear hydraulic cylinder (11) is provided of the type having a cylinder barrel (13;113) and a piston (21;121) reciprocally disposed in the barrel. There is a main piston seal member (55) which seals between the piston and an interior surface (37) of the cylinder barrel. Disposed adjacent the piston seal is a wear ring (61;161) defining a substantially cylindrical outer surface (67) bounded by a pair of substantially square corners (66). A loader member (69) biases the wear ring into sufficiently tight engagement with the interior surface of the barrel to prevent passage of contaminant particles between the surface and the wear ring. The result is substantially reduced cylinder "drift" in the presence of contaminant particles.

Abstract: A chain is connected at its distal end to the pin at the rod end of a cylinder on an implement lift and depth control assembly. An intermediate portion of the chain is trained around a gear which rotates about the axis of the pin connecting the base end of the cylinder to the implement frame. An adjustable length, spring-biased rod is connected to the proximal end of the chain to maintain tension in the chain and operate a single point depth control valve to establish a highly accurate and repeatable depth setting which is dependent directly on cylinder rod extension and therefore less susceptible to looseness in the implement lift system.

Abstract: A gage connected to the rod end of the wing cylinder on a multi-section implement senses rod end pressure at the output of the hydraulic wing control (HWC) valve. The HWC valve is engaged or disengaged using the selective control valve (SCV) in the tractor, and the gage provides a visual indication to the operator of the following modes: 1) off; 2) fold wings; 3) unfold wings; 4) field operation--push wings down; and 5) field operation--pull wings up. In field operation, the gage also provides an indication of the force with which the cylinders are pushing or pulling on the wings to affect the cutting force of the wings.

Abstract: An improved disk harrow C-spring with a tapered cross section which reduces the compressive stresses in the inside radius and improves vertical and side-to-side flexibility. The curved portion of the C-spring has a constant cross section at the top and around three-fourths of the bend. At a location on the bend 45 degrees down from the horizontal, the thickness tapers to a location forward of the bearing hanger. The cross section is constant from the end of the taper to the end of the spring. The tapered cross section allows a thicker section to be used on the most highly stressed areas in the upper quadrant of the curved portion of the C-spring. The lower quadrant taper results in uniform stress distribution along the entire C-spring with the maximum compressive stress on the inside radius reduced substantially over a conventional C-spring. In addition, the tapered design provides an increase in both vertical and side-to-side flexibility for improved operation in rocky soil.