Method and apparatus for counting crops
US6073427A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D41/1271
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention involves an apparatus for counting agricultural products being harvested. An agricultural implement has at least one harvesting element with a moisture detector installed proximate the harvesting element. The moisture detector has a detection range, whereby the moisture detector produces a signal when a moisture-containing product is located within the detection range. A counter is in communication with the moisture detector, which maintains a count of the signals. The moisture detector communicates the signal to the counter to increase the count. The apparatus is used to count a plurality of items being processed by first installing a moisture sensor with the agricultural equipment. Next, the counter is connected to the moisture sensor, with the counter being adapted to respond to the detectable signal from the sensor by incrementing the count. By processing the items by the agricultural equipment, the plurality of items thereby enter and exit the range of detection. Each of the items which enter and exit the range cause the sensor to produce the detectable signal. The counter receives each of the detectable signals and increases the count in response, whereb…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.