Apparatus and method for yield sensor installation
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorsJustin Koch, Michael Strnad, Brad Mullins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain. In some embodiments a template is provided for cutting an opening in a clean grain elevator plane. In some embodiments, a gauge and shims are provided for positioning a yield sensor on the clean grain elevator.
Claims14
A kit for installing a sensor in a combine having a plurality of grain paddles and a clean grain elevator, the clean grain elevator including an upper sprocket and a lower sprocket, and a clean grain elevator housing, the upper and lower sprocket defining an elevator plane, comprising:
- a yield sensor;
- a cutting template configured for indicating alignment with said elevator plane and for guiding a user in cutting an opening in the clean grain elevator housing, said opening sized to receive said yield sensor;
- and
- a gauge configured to engage said opening and configured to indicate a distance between an upper surface of one of said plurality of grain paddles and a desired position of a lower surface of said yield sensor.
A method of installing a yield sensor in a combine having a plurality of grain paddles and a clean grain elevator, the clean grain elevator including an upper sprocket and a lower sprocket, and a clean grain elevator housing, the upper and lower sprocket defining an elevator plane, comprising:
- aligning a template with the elevator plane;
- cutting an opening in the clean grain elevator housing using said template;
- determining a distance between an upper surface of one of said plurality of grain paddles and a desired position of a lower surface of the yield sensor using a gauge;
- adjusting a vertical position of said yield sensor relative to said upper surface by said distance;
- and
- installing said yield sensor in said opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.