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US4311995A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Sieve overload sensor for alerting the operator of a combine of a sieve overload condition
Assignee: Unisys Corp
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Filing: 1979-11-23
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Granted: 1982-01-19
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Expires: 1999-11-23
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for indicating, to the operator of a combine, that a sieve overload or blockage has developed comprises wind sensors responsive to the fan air flow within the cleaning section of the harvester. The flow sensor signals are compensated for the ambient temperature within the combine such that they are independent thereof. The apparatus includes a monitor circuit for detecting a low flow indicative of blockage or overload and warning means responsive thereto to alert the operator.
Inventors
- 👤 George R. Kinzie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:57
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01D; A01D41/00; A01D41/12; A01D41/127; A01D41/1276
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
In a combine harvester having grain cleaning means which includes fan means for providing an airflow and sieve means which is separated into a plurality of cooperating longitudinal sections, an apparatus for detecting a blockage of said sieve means comprising: (a) a plurality of wind sensors responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (b) at least one wind sensor not responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (c) means for balancing output signals from said plurality of wind sensors; (d) means for biasing the balanced output signals from said plurality of wind sensors with an output signal from said wind sensor not responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (e) means for establishing a threshold signal for said sieve means which is a function of the biased output signals from said plurality of wind sensors; (f) detector means for comparing said biased output signals from said plurality of wind sensors to said threshold signal; and (g) warning means responsive to said detector means for alerting the operator to a blockage developing anywhere on said sieve means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
In a combine harvester having grain cleaning means which includes fan means for providing an airflow and sieve means which is separated into a plurality of cooperating longitudinal sections, an apparatus for detecting a blockage of said sieve means comprising: (a) a plurality of wind sensors responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (b) at least one wind sensor not responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (c) means for balancing output signals from said plurality of wind sensors; (d) means for biasing the balanced output signals from said plurality of wind sensors with an output signal from said wind sensor not responsive to the airflow through the cooperating longitudinal sections of said sieve means; (e) means for establishing a threshold signal for said sieve means which is a function of the biased output signals from said plurality of wind sensors; (f) detector means for comparing said biased output signals from said plurality of wind sensors to said threshold signal; and (g) warning means responsive to said detector means for alerting the operator to a blockage developing anywhere on said sieve means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said threshold signal is approximately 0.633 of the maximum biased output signal from said plurality of wind sensors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said threshold signal is approximately 0.707 of the average of said biased output signals from said plurality of wind sensors.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claims 2 or 3 wherein said plurality of wind sensors includes positive temperature coeffient thermistors disposed in the rearward porton of said sieve sections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said sieve means is separated into a plurality of cooperating longitudinal sections by a plurality of slats.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-01-18 | 1985-07-20 | 1986-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-18 | 1989-07-20 | 1990-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-18 | 1993-07-20 | 1994-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |