Dennis R Buckmaster

Wireless Load Weight Monitoring Via a Mobile Device Based on Air Suspension Pressure

A system was designed and tested to measure pressure in the airbag suspension components of an over-the-road tractor trailer and use those signals to wirelessly display load weight. Three subcomponents (a HID -- human interface device and two DPUs -- digital processing units) were required and communicated using Zigbee wireless devices. Except for a region directly in front of the cab, the unit transmitted weights up to 45 m. Effect of number of calibration points on system accuracy was evaluated.

Working Zone Identification for Specialized Micro Transportation Systems Using GPS Tracks

The utilization of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies often requires modifications to vehicles and/or roadside infrastructure. However, in this paper, we investigate some special transportation cases, which we call Specialized Micro Transportation Systems (SMTS), and find the applications of information technologies for them promise great benefits with simple and quick-to-implement solutions. We focus on working zone identification for two cases from agriculture and road maintenance, respectively. An expert system was developed to recognize harvested area and generate up-to-date field boundaries, using GPS data collected for combine harvesters. Similar rules from the system were adapted for patching zone identification.

A Machine for Separation of Corn Stalk Rind and Pith

A machine was designed to separate the rind, pith, and leaves of corn stalk stalks with capacity of approximately 550 kg/h. To reasonably optimize variables of the machine operation, experiments were performed to evaluate leaf stripping and pith stripping effectiveness which was expressed as percentage. Leaf stripping was most effective with high speed and small clearance distance as machine settings with high moisture stalks. Pith stripping was most effective with high speed, small clearance distance, and larger numbers of blades.

Uniformity of Total Mixed Rations

Whole shelled corn, black beans, white beans, and fuzzy whole cotton seed were used as tracers in blended total mixed rations to assess uniformity. Tracers were placed in varied locations of the mixer, but tracer placement did not affect the coefficient of variation (CV; the uniformity measurement). With a paddle mixer and a beef ration which did not have much long particle mass, each tracer performed similarly; as mixing time increased from 180 to 600 s, the CV did improve at a rate of 1% reduction per minute – starting at 24.8% with 180 s of mixing. With a reel type mixer and a dairy ration containing 19% particle mass longer than 19 mm, the type of tracer affected CV. Slick tracers (corn, white beans, black beans) had higher CVs (28, 33, and 33%, respectively) than fuzzy whole cotton seed (18%); counts of slick tracers also decreased as the mixer emptied. The clingy whole cotton seed tracer suggested a more uniform blend (lower CV) and there was not a tendency for increase, nor decrease, in cotton seed counts as the mixer emptied. For the stationary reel mixer, increasing mixing time from 350 to 1100 s did not reduce CV. Uniformity of size particle size distribution among samples was better than uniformity of tracers for both mixers.

What Motivates Agricultural Students

Student motivation is one of the most important components of learning in both formal and informal settings. Some students are naturally motivated to learn; others need inspiration and stimulation. The authors surveyed 163 students in seven agriculture courses taught by five different instructors to ask what motivated them and what strategies could be used to increase their motivation to learn the course subject matter.

Improved electro-hydraulic trainer stations

Parker Hannifin’s IQAN electro-hydraulic control system was installed on four hydraulic trainers to be used for hands-on lab instruction. Each Parker IQAN system includes a MD3 display/controller, XA2 expansion interface module, and ICL joystick. The updated trainers will be used to teach students about mobile Controller Area Network (CAN) systems, pulse width modulation, proportional valves, sensors, wiring schematics for components, and electro-hydraulic software programming. The system is flexible enough to enable instruction ranging from operations, calibration, diagnostics, practical wiring, to algorithm and interface development. Videos demonstrating the improved trainers are online.

Rice Straw Silage in Round Bales

Fresh rice straw silage was made in Heilongjiang China through baling and chopping. Three kinds of feed rolls were tested in the steel-roll baler. Effects of feed roll type on density and plugging was evaluated. Harvest of fresh rice straw and storing it as silage is practical. The round steel-roll baler equipped with an angled slicing disc feeding mechanism can be used effectively to harvest fresh rice straw and eliminate feeding area plugging.

Instrumented Infinitely Variable Transmission for Instruction

An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) for instructional purposes was designed and built. It was an input-coupled power split transmission with a hydrostatic transmission used as the variable unit. The IVT cart was built to connect to a dynamometer for output power, torque, and speed measurement. With instrumentation for input torque and speed as well as hydraulic oil pressures, temperature, and pump swash plate position, all variables and parameters can be displayed through the controller area network system’s display; with a personal computer connected, data logging can be accomplished easily. Example laboratory handouts were created to streamline instruction and assess comprehension of IVT concepts, hydrostatic circuits, and control algorithms. A 6.2 kW diesel engine powers the IVT with timing belts and pulleys transferring power between the hydrostatic transmission and the input and output. A 3:1 planetary gear set collects power at the output. The hydrostatic transmission has a variable pump and fixed motor with displacements of 21 cc per revolution. The maximum allowable pressure in the hydrostatic transmission is 145 bar as set by the cross-port relief valves. The output speed of the transmission is infinitely variable between approximately 20 and 2500 rpm for an input speed of 3800 rpm. The maximum output torque of the IVT is 105 Nm -- limited by hydraulic pressure and pump and motor displacement.

Student Motivation – A literature Review

Learner motivation is one of the most important components of learning in all formal and informal settings. Some students naturally seem motivated to learn; others need inspiration and stimulation. Motivation falls into two basic categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation comes from a persons environment. Extrinsic motivations are important and can be effective, but they may not lead toward the goals we set for our students. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from internal sources. Intrinsically motivated students are more likely to stay in school, achieve conceptual understanding, and be well adjusted.