David E Steffen

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:

42778336, Jul 7, 1981

Filed:

Oct 17, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/085743

Inventors:

David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G06F 1520
G08B 2100

US Classification:

364555

Abstract:

A monitoring apparatus for simultaneously monitoring a plurality of functions of a machine, such as a multi-row seed planting machine, includes a programmed microprocessor. A plurality of sensors detect the machine functions to be monitored, and the microprocessor receives and stores data corresponding to the monitored functions from all of the sensors simultaneously. A user accessible control and display panel cooperates with the microprocessor to produce observable indications of the machine functions being monitored in accordance with the stored data as such functions are selected for display by the user. The microprocessor is also programmed to receive and utilize data inputs from the control panel, corresponding to machine parameters of the particular machine with which the monitoring apparatus is being utilized, and data corresponding to the desired maximum and minimum values of the functions to be monitored. Accordingly, the monitoring apparatus may be customized for the particular machine with which it is being utilized, and for giving an observable indication or alarm in the event the functions being monitored fail to fall within the selected maximum and minimum limits.

US Patent:

45556245, Nov 26, 1985

Filed:

Feb 22, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/468858

Inventors:

David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

DICKEY-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

H03K 2104
G01D 2100

US Classification:

250223R

Abstract:

A circuit is provided for a seed sensor which includes a light source and a light responsive element respectively positioned along a path of travel of seeds for producing a momentary change in signal level from the light responsive element in response to a momentary change of level of light incident thereupon from the light source due to the passage of one or more seeds therebetween. In accordance with the invention, the circuit comprises a pulse-producing circuit responsive to the change in signal level from the light responsive element for producing a discrete pulse signal in response to each change in the direction of the change in signal level. Predetermined ones of the discrete pulse signals are selected for counting.

US Patent:

43073905, Dec 22, 1981

Filed:

Nov 7, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/091959

Inventors:

David E. Steffen - Chatham IL
Victor D. Goeckner - Virden IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

A01C 708
B65G 5136

US Classification:

340684

Abstract:

A seed monitoring apparatus for use with a seed planting machine includes a seed sensor comprising a housing forming a substantially tubular passageway and mounting a light source and three photosensitive elements arranged substantially in a triangular configuration. The arrangement of the light source and the triangular photosensor configuration is such that a seed passing through the tubular passageway will momentarily obscure the passage of light to the photosensor the apex of the triangle, if at all, before obscuring the passage of light to either of the photosensors forming the base of the triangle. The monitoring circuit includes two signal paths in which different methods of counting are used to produce different numbers of pulses in response to signals from the three photosensors. One or the other of these signal paths is selected automatically in accordance with the rate at which seeds are detected. One of these signal paths includes a delay circuit interposed in the line from the apical sensor while the other includes a one shot circuit interposed in the line from the same apical sensor.

US Patent:

40858626, Apr 25, 1978

Filed:

Oct 8, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/730784

Inventors:

David Eugene Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G07F 1100

US Classification:

221 8

Abstract:

An automatically controlled seed planter apparatus is disclosed for planting seeds concurrently in a plurality of rows with controlled seed spacing, including a rotating drum for holding the seeds and transporting the seeds to a plurality of chutes. The apparatus includes transducers for detecting the rotational speed of the drum and for detecting the speed of the planter along the ground. The operator is provided with input controls for setting in signals corresponding to the desired seed spacing and to the configuration of the drum used. The above-mentioned signals are then fed to a control system which processes the signals to form an output signal which controls the rotational speed of the drum, resulting in a controlled seed spacing. A readout device is also provided for the operator to monitor the expected seed spacing produced in this manner by the apparatus, as well as warning the operator of any malfunctions in the system.

US Patent:

42622883, Apr 14, 1981

Filed:

Mar 27, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/455222

Inventors:

Robert C. Lanphier - Springfield IL
James H. Anson - Auburn IL
Harold O. McCarty - Springfield IL
David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340674

Abstract:

There is disclosed a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of functions or stations in a machine and capable of providing an alarm signal in the event of a failure or significant deviation in any one of the functions, which monitoring system also incorporates electronic circuitry for automatically temporarily disabling the alarm device in the event of a near simultaneous discontinuance or deviation in all of the functions being monitored.

US Patent:

39743772, Aug 10, 1976

Filed:

Sep 5, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/503459

Inventors:

David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G01D 2104

US Classification:

250222R

Abstract:

The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a solid state seed sensor which includes a light-emitting diode for directing a quantity of light to a pair of photoresponsive transistors. The light-emitting diode and photoresponsive transistors are maintained within a housing structure wherein all electronic components are mounted, such housing structure being formed of two halves with interconnection between circuit portions being accomplished through sealed passages formed through the housing halves. The light-emitting diode and associated resistor are maintained in one housing half while the remaining electronic circuitry, including the photoresponsive transistors, are maintained in the other housing half.

US Patent:

41375297, Jan 30, 1979

Filed:

Aug 14, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/497222

Inventors:

James H. Anson - Auburn IL
David E. Steffen - Chatham IL

Assignee:

Dickey-john Corporation - Auburn IL

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340684

Abstract:

A calibrated tuneable monitor for use with multi-row planting apparatus includes means for sensing the number of seeds delivered to furrows formed in a field and controlling an indicator to give a visual readout to the operator of the planting apparatus as to whether the number of seeds planted is at least equal to a predetermined minimum value which is preset by a selector dial. The seed monitor system has a DC coupled monostable circuit for producing a pulse of given pulse width for each pulse produced by a seed sensor. The pulse from the DC coupled monostable circuit is then integrated and formed into a voltage which is proportional to the rate at which pulses are received. This voltage is then compared in a voltage comparator circuit to control the operation of an indicator.