US 2011/0086684 A1 · COMBINE HARVESTER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY GATHERING GRAIN TEST DATA

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel combine harvester and associated method configured for gathering grain test data. In general, the combine harvester includes a grain diverting assembly that is configured to selectively divert grain from a grain harvesting path to a grain testing path for the purpose of gathering the grain test data. In various embodiments, the present invention may return the tested grain to the grain harvesting path for further delivery to a primary grain hopper. The present invention may also provide a sampling cup and sample delivery system that allows a sample of the diverted grain to be automatically gathered and delivered to a combine harvester operator location.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A combine harvester configured to selectively gather grain test data, said combine harvester comprising:

a threshing assembly configured to separate grain from other crop material;
a grain delivery assembly comprising a clean grain auger and a clean grain elevator, the grain delivery assembly configured to receive grain from the threshing assembly and deliver the grain along a harvesting path to a primary grain hopper;
and
a grain diverting assembly located proximate an interface between the clean grain auger and the clean grain elevator,
wherein the grain diverting assembly is configured to selectively divert grain from the harvesting path to a grain testing path where at least a portion of the diverted grain is delivered to a test stage configured to gather grain test data.

2 more elements

A method of selectively gathering grain test data using a combine harvester having a threshing assembly, a primary grain hopper, and a grain delivery assembly comprising a clean grain auger and a clean grain elevator, said method comprising:

separating grain from other crop material using the threshing assembly;
receiving grain from the threshing assembly and delivering the grain along a harvesting path to the primary grain hopper using the grain delivery system;
selectively diverting grain from the harvesting path to a grain testing path using a diverting assembly located proximate an interface between the clean grain auger and the clean grain elevator;
delivering at least a portion of the diverted grain to a test stage of the combine harvester;
and
gathering grain test data using the test stage.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Combine harvester and associated method for selectively gathering grain test data

Life of this patent

Combine harvester and associated method for selectively gathering grain test data

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims34