Flow metering device

In a conveyor means for conveying solid materials, a flow metering device for metering the weight rate of the materials flow having a curved sensor member disposed to receive the materials flow in an arcuate path along its sensor surface while being subjected to centrifugal forces resulting from the deflection of the path of movement of the materials flow;

• a load cell associated with the curved sensor member and operable to generate a signal proportional to said centrifugal forces;
• and signal processing means coupled to the load cell for generating an indication of the weight rate of the material flow, the improvement comprising:
• an open, non-pressurized mechanical transporter provided forwardly of the sensor member for inducing said material to move along a flow path at a predetermined rate of speed;
• conditioning means provided between the transporter and the curved sensor member for concentrating, in a coherent stream, all the material of the materials flow received from the feeder means and for transferring said coherent stream to the sensor member along the curved surface thereof for guiding said coherent stream along said sensor member in continuous contact with the sensor surface;
• and
• said sensor member being positioned such that the sensor surface is inclined inwardly at an angle relative to the direction of the crop materials flow as it issues from the conditioning means.