US 5,327,708 AGranted

Crop testing and evaluation system

OwnerSteven R. Gerrishinventor

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Abstract

The crop testing and evaluation system includes a plurality of measuring and testing devices that measure the weight, moisture content, and test weight of a crop. Other measuring devices that test the crop for characteristics such as protein content, sugar content, oil content and color may also be included. Mounting accessories are included in the system for attaching the measuring devices to the crop gathering compartment of a harvesting vehicle. As the crop is harvested and fed to the compartment, periodic readings of the measuring devices are taken by a microprocessor and supplied to a computer for analysis and evaluation. Preferably, the microprocessor and computer are positioned in the cab of the harvesting vehicle within reach of the harvest operator. The present invention also provides an efficient method of evaluating research products, such as plant hybrids and varieties.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A method of harvesting and analyzing harvest data in a field of plant hybrids or varieties, which comprises:

(a) harvesting the experimental plots of said plant hybrids or varieties with a combine having a testing and evaluating assembly removably attached thereto, and a computer on line with said assembly,
(b) recording the harvest data obtained from said harvesting of experimental plots,
(c) storing said harvest data in said computer, and
(d) generating reports in said field, wherein said testing and evaluating assembly comprises:
first crop collection means for collecting a first quantity of the crop;
weighing means for determining a weight of the first quantity of crop collected by said first crop collection means and outputting a first signal corresponding to the weight;
an attachment assembly comprising a support frame which is removably attached to the outer perimeter of a crop storage tank and at least two suspension members coupled to said frame, said weighing means and said first crop collection means, such that said first crop collection means is suspended in said crop storage tank;
and
processing means for receiving and processing said first signal and determining a quality of the crop based on said first signal.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 07/717,285Filed 20 Jun 1991 · continuation in part
Priority: 28 Feb 1991
Granted: 12 Jul 1994
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

A01F 12/00
Parts or details of threshing apparatus
A01D 41/1208
Details of combines: tanks for grain or chaff
A01D 41/1272
For measuring crop flow: for measuring grain flow
A01D 41/1277
Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines: for measuring grain quality