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US 10,420,278 B2Granted
Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring yield and vehicle weight
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorsJustin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
Claims2
A method of calibrating a mass flow sensor of a harvester while harvesting grain, the method comprising:
- harvesting grain with a harvester;
- as the grain is harvested, measuring a mass flow rate of the harvested grain with a mass flow sensor to obtain a flow-based weight estimate;
- collecting the harvested grain in a grain tank on the harvester;
- measuring a weight of the harvested grain collected in the grain tank at a first time;
- measuring a weight of the harvested grain collected in the grain tank at a second time;
- determining a measured change in grain weight in the grain tank between the first time and the second time;
- performing a calibration routine corresponding to a known change in vehicle weight;
- comparing the measured change in grain weight to the known change in vehicle weight;
- determining a weight correction factor for correcting the measured change in grain weight to the known change in vehicle weight;
- and
- applying the weight correction factor to a subsequent measurement of a weight of the harvested grain.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.