Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a metering system comprising one or more meters configured to meter particulate material into a first material distribution line and a second material distribution line, a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a first measure of a flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a second measure of the flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive an indication of a sensed flow rate of the particulate material in the second material distribution line, obtain an adjusted flow rate indication by applying, to the sensed flow rate, a rate offset based on the first and second sensor signals, and control the metering system based on the adjusted flow rate indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volumetric moisture content using an affixing method for sensing probes that reduces bending and breaking stress on the probes. The volumetric moisture content sensor has sensing probes secured against compressive axial movement during insertion into a test media, while allowing limited radial movement. Radial movement is limited via the use of a compressed elastomeric sleeve surrounding the portion of the rod supported by the sensor housing. When in the uncompressed state, there is a clearance fit allowing free movement for removal and replacement of the probes. The compressed elastomeric sleeve is used in conjunction with a rod support mechanism such that the sleeve seals out moisture, dust, and other contaminants from an interior portion of the sensor. The compressed elastomeric sleeve provides a force that assures a proper electrical connection between the sensor probes and an electronic circuit of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for measuring atmospheric temperature inversions consisting of a battery powered electronic display portion, a folding pole portion, and a temperature sensor protected from sources of heat radiation. An electronic circuit measures air temperatures at multiple heights accurately by automatically determining when readings have stabilized and reads a tilt sensor to assure temperature readings are at the proper height. Affixing said temperature sensor to the end of a pole while the opposite end is held in the user's hand facilitates waving of the temperature sensor end through the air to increase air flow, therefore, assuring quicker response and accurate air temperature readings. An electronic display indicates the presence and intensity of an atmospheric temperature inversion.

Abstract: An example agricultural machine comprises a material distribution system that includes a material distribution line configured to convey particulate material to a component. The agricultural machine comprises a sensing system that includes a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a measure of a flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a measure of the flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, and a correlation generation component configured to receive indications of the first and second sensor signals and to generate a correlation metric that represents a correlation between the first and second sensor signals. In one example, the correlation metric is applied to a sensor signal from a second material distribution line to determine a flow rate in the second material distribution line.

Abstract: An example agricultural machine comprises a material distribution system that includes a material distribution line configured to convey particulate material to a component. The agricultural machine comprises a sensing system that includes a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a measure of a flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a measure of the flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, and a correlation generation component configured to receive indications of the first and second sensor signals and to generate a correlation metric that represents a correlation between the first and second sensor signals. In one example, the correlation metric is applied to a sensor signal from a second material distribution line to determine a flow rate in the second material distribution line.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for measuring atmospheric temperature inversions consisting of a battery powered electronic display portion, a folding pole portion, and a temperature sensor protected from sources of heat radiation. An electronic circuit measures air temperatures at multiple heights accurately by automatically determining when readings have stabilized and reads a tilt sensor to assure temperature readings are at the proper height. Affixing said temperature sensor to the end of a pole while the opposite end is held in the user's hand facilitates waving of the temperature sensor end through the air to increase air flow, therefore, assuring quicker response and accurate air temperature readings. An electronic display indicates the presence and intensity of an atmospheric temperature inversion.

Abstract: A handheld nozzle cleaning device includes a cylinder and piston disposed within the cylinder. The piston is movable between a latched position, in which air is compressed, and an unlatched position, in which air is drawn into the cylinder. The handheld nozzle cleaning device also includes a valve and a nozzle disposed at one end of the cylinder. Manual operation of the piston, defined by linear movement of the piston in a first direction, both releases the piston from the latched position and draws air into the cylinder. The compressed air flows out of the cylinder through the nozzle when the valve is opened. Also, manual operation of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction both compresses air within the cylinder and secures the piston in the latched position.

Abstract: A portable handheld consistometer that includes a probe having a shaft and a probe tip attached to a first end of the shaft. In an embodiment, the probe tip has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the shaft, the probe configured to be inserted into a material to measure the consistency thereof. In an embodiment, a force sensor is attached to a second end of the shaft opposite the first end. The force sensor is coupled to processing circuitry, and is configured to measure the force with which the probe tip penetrates the material. In an embodiment, a distance sensor is coupled to the processing circuitry. The distance sensor is configured to measure the distance that the probe tip penetrates into the material. Further; the handheld consistometer includes a display screen coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to display the results of consistency measurements.

Abstract: A handheld nozzle cleaning device includes a cylinder and piston disposed within the cylinder. The piston is movable between a latched position, in which air is compressed, and an unlatched position, in which air is drawn into the cylinder. The handheld nozzle cleaning device also includes a valve and a nozzle disposed at one end of the cylinder. Manual operation of the piston, defined by linear movement of the piston in a first direction, both releases the piston from the latched position and draws air into the cylinder. The compressed air flows out of the cylinder through the nozzle when the valve is opened. Also, manual operation of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction both compresses air within the cylinder and secures the piston in the latched position.

Abstract: A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.

Abstract: A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting parts in a tape and reel packaging system in which a plurality of parts are packaged on linear tape wound onto a reel. The apparatus includes a measuring device, and a meter body. The meter body includes electronic means for calculating and displaying a quantity of parts in the tape and reel packaging system. The calculation is based on inputs supplied by a user employing the measuring device. In an embodiment, the apparatus is portable and configured to be hand-held.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting parts in a tape and reel packaging system in which a plurality of parts are packaged on linear tape wound onto a reel. The apparatus includes a measuring device, and a meter body. The meter body includes electronic means for calculating and displaying a quantity of parts in the tape and reel packaging system. The calculation is based on inputs supplied by a user employing the measuring device. In an embodiment, the apparatus is portable and configured to be hand-held.

Abstract: A portable handheld consistometer that includes a probe having a shaft and a probe tip attached to a first end of the shaft. In an embodiment, the probe tip has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the shaft, the probe configured to be inserted into a material to measure the consistency thereof. In an embodiment, a force sensor is attached to a second end of the shaft opposite the first end. The force sensor is coupled to processing circuitry, and is configured to measure the force with which the probe tip penetrates the material. In an embodiment, a distance sensor is coupled to the processing circuitry. The distance sensor is configured to measure the distance that the probe tip penetrates into the material. Further; the handheld consistometer includes a display screen coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to display the results of consistency measurements.

Abstract: A soil moisture probe includes a capacitance-type probe and a detection circuit. The probe includes two spaced electrodes on the same side of a printed circuit board (PCB). The electrodes are placed on an inner layer of a multi-layer PCB and the detection circuit may be placed on an outer layer. The PCB also includes a ground plane. The detection circuit generates a sawtooth or triangular wave which is converted to a DC voltage representative of the moisture content of a soil sample into which the probe is inserted. The unique circuit uses the capacitance of the probe as part of a low-pass filter that distorts an oscillator-generated square wave into a saw-tooth or triangular wave. A resistance component of the low-pass filter is adjustable, allowing tuning of the probe and the circuit as needed.

Abstract: A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.

Abstract: A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.