Grain distribution apparatus and method
AssigneeSchlagel, Inc.
InventorBill Schlagel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.
Claims14
A grain distributor comprising a housing with an open interior;
- a plurality of receiving ducts extending from the housing, each receiving duct having a receiving portion in the interior of the housing;
- a distribution spout pivotally moveable among and stoppable at each of the receiving portions, the distribution spout having a plurality of pivotal positions;
- a drive motor connected to the housing and distribution spout that moves and stops the distribution spout;
- a coded portion with a plurality of code clusters operably coupled to the distribution spout, each code cluster including a unique series of data digits indicative of a pivotal position of the distribution spout;
- a plurality of proof windows, each proof window being associated with a receiving duct location;
- a sensor configured to sense the data digits and generate corresponding signals, the sensor and coded portion being coupled to the distribution spout and housing such that the sensor confronts the coded portion and such that pivotal movement of the distribution spout moves the coded portion with respect to the sensor or moves the sensor with respect to the coded portion, the code clusters arranged such that the data digits of each code cluster move sequentially past the sensor whereby the code clusters are serially read;
- a control processor operably connected to the sensor, the control processor configured to receive the signals from the sensor and to determine the pivotal position of the distribution spout based in the signals;
- a timer operably coupled to the control processor;
- the control processor programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows;
- the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory;
- and
- the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate a signal from at least one of the proof windows in a long term memory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.