Ronald W Steffen

US Patent:

6667689, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Sep 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/961486

Inventors:

Ronald W Steffen - Springfield IL 62707
Michael G. Nelson - Jacksonville IL 62650

International Classification:

G08B 1314

US Classification:

3405681, 340540, 340674, 324228, 209926, 2092231

Abstract:

A device that easily fits on a refuse container and will sound an audible alarm when silverware that has been magnetized and likely hidden within other refuse falls through a sensing cavity on its way to the refuse container. This device will not trigger on any other metallic or non-metallic material due to its sensing of only passing magnetic fields. Silverware material conducive to magnetization can be easily magnetized and will retain such characteristics for a long period of time making it a practical way to differentiate silverware from other metallic refuse. The device also uses a sensing switch that activates the same audible alarm when an attempt is made to bypass the unit by removing it from the refuse container. A key switch provides security that enables alarm reset only by authorized personnel. A low battery indicator is provided by the pulsing of the audible alarm.

US Patent:

58195122, Oct 13, 1998

Filed:

Mar 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/822268

Inventors:

Ronald E. Steffen - Springfield IL
Ernie J. Poani - Taylorville IL
David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

DICKEY-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

A01D 4608

US Classification:

56 102R

Abstract:

An apparatus and method is disclosed for sensing material build-up, such as the undesirable build-up of cotton in a mechanized cotton harvester. A tube is mounted for eccentric rotation adjacent an area where build-up occurs, such as near a doffer. The tube is biased by a spring into one position and is eccentrically rotated against the spring by forces applied to the tube by accumulating material, such as cotton. A switch is mounted within the tube, and, as the tube rotates, the state of the switch changes in accordance with the rotation. A signal generated by the switch is used to alert an operator.

US Patent:

40877833, May 2, 1978

Filed:

Oct 18, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/733431

Inventors:

Ronald W. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340 52R

Abstract:

A wheel interference monitor used with articulated vehicles and vehicles pulling connected trailers or the like, such as a tractor pulling a connected farm implement. The apparatus includes a sensor for monitoring the clearance between the drive vehicle and the pulled trailer or implement, and a circuit for providing a warning alarm to the operator if the clearance reaches a point where the operator must exercise caution, and an additional alarm for warning the operator as the clearance becomes even more critical, approaching a danger area. Also included is a control for setting in the degree of clearance at which the warning and alarm circuit will begin to go into operation.

US Patent:

40682234, Jan 10, 1978

Filed:

Jul 10, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/594757

Inventors:

Ronald W. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G08B 2100
A01D 4518

US Classification:

340267R

Abstract:

The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a monitoring system for detecting variations in the flow of a fluid through a passage such as an air duct associated with a cotton picker or other harvesting machine. Air flow sensing means is provided for mounting in the air duct to provide a first signal condition in response to the flow of air above a predetermined minimum level and a second signal condition in response to the flow of air below the predetermined minimum level. The air flow sensing means is coupled to an indicator means which attracts the attention of the harvesting machine operator and indicates which one, of a plurality of air ducts, is malfunctioning.

US Patent:

57708657, Jun 23, 1998

Filed:

Mar 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/822230

Inventors:

Ronald W. Steffen - Springfield IL
John S. Galman - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G01N 1506

US Classification:

250577

Abstract:

An apparatus and method is disclosed for sensing a full level condition for a large basket. A signal generator produces an oscillating signal which is applied to energy emitters that are capable of transmitting electrical energy along defined paths and across the width of the large basket. The transmitted electrical energy is received by a plurality of receivers which output an electrical signal which is representative of the signal applied to the energy emitters when material which is being loaded into said basket does not interfere with the energy being transmitted along the defined paths. A logic circuit analyzes the signals output from the receivers and produces a status signal indicating whether material which is being loaded into the large basket has interfered with the energy being transmitted along the defined paths.

US Patent:

40520030, Oct 4, 1977

Filed:

Aug 6, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/712146

Inventors:

Ronald W. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

B05B 1200

US Classification:

239 71

Abstract:

An automatic control system for use with a vehicular liquid sprayer of the type which pumps the liquid to be sprayed at a desired pressure to a plurality of nozzles which dispense the liquid at a predetermined desired density relative to the area being sprayed, with the density being a function of a plurality of liquid spraying parameters which may vary from one spraying application to another or from time to time during a given spraying application. A pressure transducer senses the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzles and develops a corresponding electrical liquid pressure signal. A ground speed sensor measures the speed of the vehicular sprayer and develops a corresponding electrical ground speed signal. Programming means are coupled to the ground speed sensor for selectively modifying the ground speed signal to obtain a modified ground speed signal having a characteristic which corresponds to the values of at least two of the liquid spraying parameters required to obtain the desired density. A difference amplifier is responsive to the liquid pressure signal and the modified ground speed signal for generating a corresponding valve control signal.

US Patent:

52496589, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Jan 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/822078

Inventors:

Victor D. Goeckner - Auburn IL
Ronald W. Steffen - Springfield IL

Assignee:

DICKEY-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

F16D 4320

US Classification:

192 0032

Abstract:

A transmission controller is provided for use with a vehicle having a transmission including a plurality of gears, a hydraulic pressure controlled clutch, and a solenoid-actuated proportional valve for operating the clutch. The controller comprises a signal generating circuit for generating a controlled current signal for operating the solenoid-actuated proportional valve and a current monitoring circuit for producing a current signal corresponding to the current flow to each of the solenoid-actuated proportional valves. A vehicle monitor produces a threshold signal corresponding to a predetermined point at which the clutch begins to carry torque and a memory retains predetermined information corresponding to the current signals. A correlating control is responsive to the threshold signal for causing the memory to retain calibration information corresponding to the current signal produced when the predetermined threshold signal is produced, such that the retained information corresponds to a threshold value of the current to the solenoid-actuated proportional valve at which the corresponding clutch engages sufficiently to begin to carry torque.

US Patent:

58842055, Mar 16, 1999

Filed:

Aug 22, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/701611

Inventors:

Thomas R. Elmore - Farmersville IL
Joel T. Morton - Springfield IL
Ronald W. Steffen - Springfield IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G06G 757
B67D 508
B67D 514

US Classification:

701 50

Abstract:

A control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a mobile material distribution apparatus including at least one boom having a plurality of distribution nozzles or distribution ports located along its length for distributing material is disclosed. The control system monitors various sections of the booms and provides the user with a graphical representation of the operating states of the nozzles/distribution ports in each monitored boom section. By taking into account the actual operating states of each of the sections of the monitored booms, the disclosed control system provides more accurate mapping of the materials distributed by the controlled apparatus. In addition, the disclosed control system considers the operating states of any fence row nozzles disposed on the monitored booms in determining the amount of material to be supplied to the monitored booms to achieve a desired distribution rate.