Near infrared spectrometer used in combination with a combine for real time grain analysis

A method of measuring constituents of harvested agricultural product comprising the steps of:

• providing a combine for harvesting a field of crops (the agricultural product);
• providing a monochromator coupled to the combine, the monochromator including a photodiode array and a fixed dispersive element;
• providing a stream of moving the agricultural product within the combine;
• providing a radiation source coupled to the combine near the stream of moving product harvested by the combine;
• applying radiation to the stream of moving product;
• sensing radiation that is reflected off of the stream of moving product;
• and
• analyzing the sensed radiation to determine various constituents of the agricultural product.

A method of analyzing on a combine an agricultural product harvested from a test plot comprising the steps of:

• harvesting the agricultural product with a research combine;
• collecting a sample of the product and containing the sample in a chamber;
• weighing the chamber to determine the weight of the sample;
• sensing the moisture content of the sample in the chamber;
• sensing the volume of the sample in the chamber;
• and
• determining the identity and amount of constituents in the sample, further comprising the steps of:
• allowing the sample of the product in the chamber to flow out of the chamber,
• irradiating the sample with radiation as it flows out of the chamber,
• sensing radiation which reflects off of the sample, and
• analyzing the spectrum of the reflected radiation to determine the identity and amount of constituents in the sample.

An apparatus for measuring constituents of harvested grain on a combine comprising:

• a sensor coupled to the combine at a location proximate a flow of harvested grain;
• a light source for irradiating the grain as the grain flows past the sensor, the light source being positioned such that light irradiated toward the grain is sensed by the sensor;
• a monochromator having no moving optical components located in the combine, the monochromator being operatively connected to the sensor such that light sensed by the sensor is transmitted to the monochromator;
• and
• a processor operatively connected to the monochromator for identifying and determining the amount of constituents in the grain.