Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World articles from June 2006

Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World archives from June 2006

Events calendar.
June 1, 2006... ASABE Conferences and International Meetings To receive more information about ASABE conferences and meetings, contact ASABE at 800-371-2723 or mcknight@asabe.org. For the complete list, see www.asabe.org/resource/asabevents.html. 2006...

Fast tractors challenge safety.(Update)
June 1, 2006... A farmer who has purchased a "fast tractor" probably feels like the driver of a Ferrari on a road with a speed limit of 55 mph, says Wayne Dellinger, program coordinator for The Ohio State University Extension's Agricultural Safety and Health...

Rice camp for teens.(International Rice Research Institute, Thai Rice Foundation , Philippine Rice Research Institute)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... While millions of people in Southeast Asia depend on rice, the grain attracts few young people as farmers or scientists. However, an innovative project now launched in the Philippines and Thailand marks the start of a major new effort to...

Digital repository provides online access to selected USDA publications.(Update)
June 1, 2006... The National Agricultural Library (NAL) has established an online digital repository providing convenient public access to the full text of selected USDA publications. The NAL Digital Repository (NALDR) contains a wide variety of...

From nuts to beer.
June 1, 2006... It's been said that chestnuts are "grains that grow on trees." This statement is certainly true for a Michigan brewer, who has taken locally grown edible chestnuts and brewed a one-of-a-kind beer. The edible chestnut market is becoming...

25x'25: building a renewable energy future.
June 1, 2006... All it takes is one stop at the fuel pump to realize that Americans are confronting one of their biggest challenges in decades. Soaring energy prices are impacting all sectors of our economy, whether you are a farmer trying to fuel up for field...

AE50 2006.
June 1, 2006... Products winning the 2006 AE50 awards represent the best and the brightest developed around the globe for the agricultural, food, and biological systems industries. The innovations highlighted in this issue were selected from numerous...

Decreased vibration and noise via VRS damper.
June 1, 2006... Weasler VRS torsional damper provides reduced vibration and noise when connecting engine flywheels and transmission components. The patent-pending, three-stage torsional damper allows for variable rate damping in a cost-effective design. The...

Versatile Dyna-6 transmission also a fuel-saver.
June 1, 2006... Introduced in early 2005, the Dyna-6 transmissions are standard on the 6400 series tractor line ranging from 95-115 hp. The semi-powershift 24 x 24 Dyna-6 transmission consists of four ranges with six powershift speeds in each range. To...

Crop flow system: cost cutting, Jaguar-powerful.
June 1, 2006... The Jaguar crop flow system pounces on an industry-high, power-to-output ratio, thereby slashing fuel and operational costs. With the use of an efficient, direct belt drive, there is little power loss throughout the components of the system. By...

Sprinkler development for using water wisely.
June 1, 2006... The Rain Bird 5000/5000 Plus PRS combines industry-leading Rain Curtain[TM] nozzle technology with integral pressure regulation to provide users with a new standard in sprinkler performance. Building on the strength of the 5000/5000 Plus...

More speed, less loss.
June 1, 2006... The John Deere 615P Belt Pick Up Platform allows small grain producers to harvest bigger windrows at faster ground speeds with fewer losses. The new 615P includes a dual belt-feeding system with an exclusive air bag suspension system, which...

Cougar mower conditioner covers ground.
June 1, 2006... The CLAAS Cougar 1400 is arguably the widest self-propelled mower conditioner in the industry at 14-m (46-ft) working width. The Cougar uses five separate mower conditioners for smaller, faster-drying windrows and achieves over 20-ha (50-acres)...

Boom section control simplified.
June 1, 2006... The Mid-Tech BoomPilot Swath Manager performs automatic boom section control, shutting down boom sections based on previously applied areas or when leaving predefined field boundaries. The device will work with either a Mid-Tech CAN-based...

Easy turns and easy on the turf.
June 1, 2006... The GR2100 and GR2000 lawn and garden tractors are equipped with "Glide Steer" technology, which enables these tractors to maneuver in tight, congested spaces by disengaging the rear inside wheel clutch. Disengagement allows the wheel to "free...

No matter the weather with EnerCAP[TM].
June 1, 2006... EnerCAP[TM] is a totally portable livestock-watering tank system that will operate in winter or summer. The system can be operated in remote locations away from the farm site where no grid power is available. The tank system is designed using a...

Swivel facilitates droplet-size adjustment.
June 1, 2006... CP[R] Products' Swivel, the CP-06, is designed to change flat-fan nozzle aerodynamic shear angles on aircraft spray booms by movement downward in 15-degree increments. It consists of two primary component parts molded of 30 percent glass-filled...

Greenhouse system grows space, raises enclosure performance.
June 1, 2006... The Rough Brothers R-House greenhouse system, created for research and teaching applications, was designed from the inside out to provide flexibility of space utilization and equipment installation and a higher level of enclosure performance...

The end of subjective end-point determination: Leaf Porometer.
June 1, 2006... The Leaf Porometer automatically measures stomatal conductance and eliminates human error by picking the end point. The direct readout gives either conductance or resistance, which can be saved or exported to a PC. The simple-to-use,...

SuperAgi[TM] takes on all products, more packages.
June 1, 2006... The design of the SuperAgi[TM] retort utilizes an evolutionary process based on the FMC Steam Water Spray[TM] (SWS[TM]) sterilizer. The SWS[TM] sterilizer delivers high-energy efficiency but in an agitating mode of centrifugal force limiting...

Standard-setting step up: 8400 Dyna-Step tractors.
June 1, 2006... The Massey Ferguson 8400 Series tractors set a new standard for high-horsepower, fixed-frame tractors with model ranges from 180 to 240 hp. An entirely new chassis platform is backed by a 7.4-L (MF 8450 and 8460 models) or 8.4-L (8470 and 8480...

Got MilkGuard?
June 1, 2006... The MilkGuard is an electronic time-temperature recorder for monitoring the cooling, agitation, and storage of milk in a bulk tank as well as the washing of the bulk tank and milk harvesting equipment. Without any contact with the milk, the...

Air hoe drills model versatility/reliability.
June 1, 2006... The 1835 Air Hoe Drill from John Deere provides true separate placement of dry, liquid, and gaseous fertilizers in conjunction with a versatile and reliable air hoe drill system. Controlled seed and fertilizer placement protects young plants...

Z-Trak mows clean cut-quality.
June 1, 2006... The John Deere 997 Diesel Z-Trak is a diesel-powered, mid-mounted rotary mower with a unitized hydraulic ground-drive pump and PTO clutch providing a durable and productive commercial mower. The hydraulic PTO clutch engages in 1 to 1.5 seconds...

Easy-to-see, at-the-wheel data gathering.
June 1, 2006... The Rugged Tablet, also known as Titan RT, is an alternative for data collection while driving a truck, tractor, sprayer, or ATV. It allows use of an existing GPS receiver along with Farm Works "Mate" programs and performs a wide range of tasks...

Smart control of subsurface water tables.
June 1, 2006... The Agri Drain Smart Drainage System[TM] is used to control the level of the water table in the soil profile when installed in a subsurface drainage system. This reduces nutrient loss, increases yields, and improves water quality. An automatic...

Fishtails for erosion control mulch.
June 1, 2006... WoodStraw[TM] mulch is a wood-strand erosion control material that equals or exceeds the functionality of agricultural straw while addressing straw's known limitations. WoodStraw[TM] long-strand material looks like agricultural straw yet is...

It's that simple ... operator-easy Rollant 255 Uniwrap.
June 1, 2006... The Rollant 255 Uniwrap is a 4 x 4, Class I round baler with a mounted silage bale wrapper. The predominant benefit of mounting the wrapper on the back of the machine is combining two jobs, making them one. The innovative computer system...

Fuel efficiency and productivity up with 8000 "30" Series tractors.
June 1, 2006... John Deere 8000 "30" Series (8030) tractors meet European Union Stage IIIA and North American Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 engine emission regulations using a new 9.0-L PowerTech Plus[TM] engine. Five-wheel models and three-tracks...

EZ-Steer[TM] system saves fuel, eases operator fatigue.
June 1, 2006... AgGPS[R] EZ-Steer[TM] System includes the EZ-Steer[TM] assisted-steering option, which extends the capability of the EZ-Guide[TM] Plus GPS guidance system by automatically turning the steering wheel of the vehicle with an electric motor. The...

Performance-plus tested, energy-conscious ventilation.
June 1, 2006... The Chore-Time 52" TURBO[R] Fan with HYFLO[R] Shutter is a corrosion-resistant, fiberglass fan with a butterfly-style damper, primarily used to ventilate animal production buildings. When compared to traditional, louver shutters, the HYFLO[R]...

Speed selection without clutch depression.
June 1, 2006... The Massey Ferguson 1547 and 1552 compact tractors can be equipped with the new DynaQPS[TM] transmission. This transmission allows the operator to select from four speeds within each of the three ranges, without depressing the clutch pedal. Two...

Improve up time, reduce maintenance with conditioning rolls.
June 1, 2006... The John Deere Tri-Lobe Conditioning Rolls are used in rotary windrowers to shorten hay-drying time. Unique manufacturing techniques are used to make an extremely accurate and durable steel-conditioning roll. High accuracy allows a gap between...

Tractors shift gears in sync with engines, radiator-cooling performance advances.
June 1, 2006... The Kubota M105X and M125X tractor system enables the tractor to automatically shift gears by monitoring engine performance. Operating efficiency is increased, particularly in varying conditions. The system automatically controls the shifting...

Proven pathogen reduction with dry-food, surface pasteurization system.
June 1, 2006... The FMC JSP-1 Jet Stream[R] Dry Food Surface Pasteurization System is an advanced, industry-scale, continuous dry-food, surface pasteurization system. It offers Jet Stream[R] technology, the LOG-TEC food safety controller system, and a unique...

Riding in style.
June 1, 2006... The 3000 and 4000 TWENTY Series ComfortGard Cab offers a big-tractor-cab feel in a small package. Engineers at John Deere's SouthEast Engineering Center used a state-of-the-art, virtual reality lab with actual John Deere customers to develop...

Mower conditioner merges as it mows.
June 1, 2006... The DISCO 8550AS is a three-gang, tractor-mounted mower conditioner that cuts, conditions, and merges 8 m (26 ft) of any hay crop in a single pass. The power to merge the crop as it is mowed sets the DISCO 8550AS apart from other mowers. With...

24/7 dairy-lameness diagnostics.
June 1, 2006... StepMetrix[TM] is a revolutionary, real-time diagnostic tool that enables effective lameness management. It automatically identifies and monitors the soundness or lameness of every cow in the herd seven days a week, 365 days a year, before...

Variable-rate fruit-coating applicator defines a new Pace.
June 1, 2006... The PaceSetter is a variable-rate, fruit-coating applicator designed for use in the fruit packing industry. The PaceSetter system accounts for variability in fruit flow by maintaining a uniform application rate. Currently, fruit...

All the bells and whistles: AGCO DT Series, Generation A.
June 1, 2006... The flagship of the AGCO tractor line, the DT Series Generation A, features the latest in tractor innovation for increased performance and efficiency. With models ranging from 180 to 240 PTO hp, the DT series tractors are powered with efficient...

Guide to Consultants 2006.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... This Guide to Consultants is presented as a service to people interested in agricultural/biological engineering assistance. This listing is not an offer or advertisement to provide engineering services in any state or jurisdiction where the...

Aeration floor-support system: a breeze for grain bins.
June 1, 2006... The Parthenon[TM] Floor Support, a remarkably easy-to-install floor support system, saves an installation crew a substantial amount of time. The Parthenon[TM] system, which supports aeration flooring in grain bins, offers a revolutionary design...

A new wrinkle in boom folding.
June 1, 2006... The Summers Ultra Ultimate NT Supersprayer is a hydraulic-folding, suspended-boom pull-type field sprayer available in 37- and 41-m (120 ft and 133-ft-4-in.) boom sizes. The foundation of this new, longer boom is a circular member that resists...

Easy-does-it conveyor.
June 1, 2006... The KSi Model 1610 high-capacity, cleated-belt conveyor moves high-value seed and other fragile products gently and efficiently. Its patented, fully molded rubber belt with 5-cm (2-in.) notched cleats transports up to 211 [m.sup.3]/h (6,000...

Tailor-made, smooth cutting from new mower conditioners.
June 1, 2006... The new 500 series mower conditioners from John Deere feature three models with cutting widths from 2.5 to 3.5 m (8.2 to 11.5 ft). Its slender transport width simplifies moving from field to field over narrow roads and through narrow gates. The...

Best-in-class-performance three-wheel electric forklift trucks.
June 1, 2006... Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks' new line of 1,360-to 1,815-kg (3,000- to 4,000-lb) capacity, electric lift trucks are 100 percent AC-powered and feature enhanced operator presence detection, longer service intervals, and longer battery life. The...

Three measurements, one probe.
June 1, 2006... Measuring water content, temperature, and electrical conductivity is an essential part of commercial agriculture and environmental monitoring. Several probes are available that measure these three parameters, though many are limited by high...

Survey drainage-ditch path, design/control vertical-curve slope.
June 1, 2006... AGPS-Ditch Pro is a Windows-based agricultural drainage, machine-control computer program. Ditch Pro is used to survey existing or intended drainage-ditch paths and automatically design and control a vertical-curve slope of surface ditches...

Pumping more into the next generation.
June 1, 2006... Sauer-Danfoss introduces H1 as a family of closed circuit, variable-displacement hydrostatic pumps with a displacement range from 20 to 250 cc/rev (1.2 to 15.3 cu in./rev) designed to meet the needs of the off-road, mobile machinery market well...

No-till implement intercedes by inter-seeding.
June 1, 2006... Simple seeders, directly driven from the Dixon Land Imprinter roller, deliver complex mixes of native seeds to the roller top where they are carried forward, dropped on the soil surface, and then imbedded in the imprint surfaces. Some can work...

Modular Monitor System for hazardous dust applications.
June 1, 2006... The Agritronics Modular Monitor System (AMMSV4) is an intrinsically safe monitor system used to monitor upper and lower bin levels (two wire-pressure activated and three-wire capacitive) and 5- to 10,000-rpm shaft speed (two-wire and three-wire...

Innovative mowing technology for crop residue management.
June 1, 2006... The FX520 uses a five-rotor design, which optimizes cutting performance, increases productivity, and delivers extremely even distribution. The FX520 fixed-knife option includes eight fixed knives, three on each wing and two on the center...

Combine series boosts productivity.
June 1, 2006... The Lexion 500R series self-propelled combine harvesters use advanced technology to harvest multiple crops, employing a variety of Lexion header types and sizes to increase productivity by as much as 25 percent over previous models. The...

Telemetry service stands guard.
June 1, 2006... FieldSENTRY[TM] Wireless Irrigation Network is simple, reliable, and affordable telemetry service. Growers can effectively monitor multiple center pivots directly from the Internet or a cell phone. Labor, fuel, and time are all reduced through...

First intercooled, turbocharged engine among compact tractors.
June 1, 2006... The John Deere 3000 TWENTY Series Compact Utility Tractors feature four models from 22- to 32.8-kW (29.5- to 44-hp) engine power. The 3720 model provides the highest power in its class and features the first intercooled, turbocharged engine...

Easy-install steering kit for economical versatility.
June 1, 2006... The GreenStar[TM] AutoTrac Universal Steering Kit it an assisted steering system for a farmer's entire fleet of approved agricultural equipment. A universal guidance system has the advantage of mobility over integrated designs. A farmer can pay...

Attaching blade "system" atically simpler and quicker.
June 1, 2006... The Quick-Clip[TM] blade-retention system is an improved mounting arrangement to attach a cutting blade to a disc on a rotary disc mower. It eliminates the need for a threaded connector and associated nut and provides a positive retention...

Micro sprinkler nozzle shrinks water use, improves crop uniformity.
June 1, 2006... 5FC Flow Control nozzles are an option for the Nelson R5 Rotator, a micro sprinkler for the irrigation of tree and vine crops. As pressure increases, 5FC nozzles flex to a smaller size to deliver a constant flow over a range of pressure and...

Management tool for center pivots/linear-move systems.
June 1, 2006... The FieldLINK Pump Control is a wireless solution for automating the interaction between pumps and center pivots. With easy installation in all field conditions, the system also offers reduced input costs of water, energy, labor, chemicals, and...

Spray-pressure changes? Flow-rates range extends.
June 1, 2006... The unique design of the VeriRate Nozzle provides for an extended range of flow rates with changes in spray pressure while maintaining droplet size and spray coverage. The nozzle improves chemical savings, boosts spray productivity, and aids in...

"Breathe-easy" HVAC system protection.
June 1, 2006... The 5400SA Series tractors are designed to give specialty application operators unsurpassed respiratory protection while maintaining maximum productivity in the 90 to 105 PTO hp range. Cab respiratory protection is achieved with the MF5400's...

Portland welcomes attendees to the 2006 Annual International Meeting.(Inside ASABE)
June 1, 2006... The "City of Roses" offers something for everyone who attends this year's Annual International Meeting. Not only does Portland provide an excellent convention and meeting facility for ASABE members, but the beauty and diversity of the area is...

2006 Annual International Meeting.(Inside ASABE)
June 1, 2006... You Don't Need to Stand in Line Tired of standing in line to register for a conference? Tired of waiting to pick up your registration materials? ASABE has the solution! To thank you for attending the 2006 Annual International Meeting...

Difference makers uniting a flat world.
June 1, 2006... The list of issues that divide people is growing ever more rapidly. In social settings, just mentioning the items on the long-time "divider" list, such as religion and politics, makes us feel uncomfortable and often evokes both an internal and...

The next 100 years--an invitation to attend a special visioning session in portland.(A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT)
June 1, 2006... Do you have a vision about what the world will be like in 100 years? Will it be a place of joy and prosperity filled with technological wonders such as biomechanical robots, talking plants, and rain upon demand? Or will it be a "Mad Max" world...

YPC hosting several AIM events.(Young Professionals Community, Annual International Meeting)
June 1, 2006... The Young Professionals Community (YPC) is putting the final touches on their program for the Annual International Meeting (AIM) in Portland. It has been an exciting year filled with many firsts for the YPC. We are more excited than ever for...

Complete 30-year collection of lecture series now online.(YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY)
June 1, 2006... A grant from Deere & Company provided the resources needed to add 22 of the past lectures to the ASABE online Technical Library. Along with the current lectures already on the site, this brings the total full-text lectures to 30. The...

World Congress of Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources.(YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY)
June 1, 2006... WCCA2006, the 4th World Congress of Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be held in Orlando, Fla., July 24 to 26. It is a collaborative effort among agricultural information technology associations worldwide. The Congress is...

Minnesota Section.(rain gardens)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Rain gardens and other bioretention structures were the subject of a presentation to the Minnesota Section on April 21 by Gregg Thompson of the Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts. After a very informative...

Quad City Section.(SECTION NEWS)
June 1, 2006... The Quad City Section recently presented its 2006 Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award to Sheldon Grywacheski and Ronald Sheedy for their design and development of the John Deere 615P Belt Pickup Header. Donald Kuska was presented the...

ISOBUS (ISO 11783) Task Controller and Data Dictionary precedent.(Data Dictionary Maintenance Agency manages the standard of communication speed)
June 1, 2006... A new precedent has been set in the agricultural arena. On March 30, 2006, the inaugural online meeting was held for the ISOBUS Data Dictionary Maintenance Agency (DDMA). The intent of this small experts group is to facilitate the speed...

2006 CSP constituents.(STANDARDS)
June 1, 2006... The following companies have contributed to the Cooperative Standards Program for 2006: Bilt Rite Buildings, GKN Walterscheid, Hydratec, Martins Native Lumber, National Frame Builders Association, Netafim, and Roberts Irrigation Products, Inc.

Cooperative standards program.(on wagons, Scraper Tractors)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Proposed Projects X239.1WD, Hitch and Box Dimensions for Agricultural Grain Wagons. This standard applies to the wagon box dimensions required to enable the unit to be pulled behind a corn picker. There are so few pickers in use today that...

In memoriam.(Inside ASABE)(Obituary)
June 1, 2006... Robert R. Roth, 85, of Rock Island, Ill., died May 3, 2006. He retired in 1981 from John Deere Harvester Works, Moline, Ill., where he was a project engineer from 1962 until his retirement. He was previously employed by the J.I. Case Co....

2006 Nominating Committee seeks input.(American Society of Agricultural Engineers)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 ASAE Nominating Committee is seeking well qualified candidates for the following ASABE offices. 2008-2009 President of ASABE ASABE presidents are selected in alternate years from the public and private sectors. The nominee...

Let the mentoring begin.(American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers)
June 1, 2006... We are pleased to present an innovative online mentoring program available to all preprofessional/student and young professional members of the Society as a benefit of membership. Young professional members are defined as...

Call for nominations for 2007 ASABE awards.(Inside ASABE)
June 1, 2006... Do you know someone who is an unsung hero or heroine of engineering? Perhaps you know a designer whose products are exceptional or a researcher whose work is the foundation for significant developments. How about that teacher who inspires...

Innovation nation: seven principles for training engineers to be quantum leapers.(United States)
June 1, 2006... We live in interesting times. Only six years into the 21st century and the global economic terrain has been transformed by the tectonic shifts of advanced computing technology, cheaper telecommunications, and lower trade barriers to form a...