Spatial measurement system for agricultural applications
US11592276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/0035
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.