Acoustic stone detection for a feederhouse on an agricultural combine
US6269618A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01F12/16
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A feederhouse on an agricultural combine. Having a first acoustic array having a first sounding board and acoustic sensor positioned beneath the front drum and feederhouse floor. A second acoustic array positioned behind the front drum and between the conveyor chain encircling the front and rear drums. The second acoustic array also has a second acoustic sensor and second sounding plate. The acoustic sensor detects the impact of a stone on the sounding plates. A signal is transmitted via a controller from the sensor to a solenoid controlling a stone trap door latch. When the door opens, a sled also rotates into contact with conveyor chain. This deflects any crop flow containing stones. To close the door, the feederhouse is raised and the door rotates into contact with the latch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.