Patent ID: 9686914
Date: 2017-06-27
CPC Classifications: A01D,A01F,G01F

Claim:
1. An apparatus for monitoring a mass flow rate of harvested grain in a combine having a clean grain elevator including a clean grain elevator chain, comprising: a sensor surface; a sensor disposed to measure displacement of said sensor surface; a plurality of paddles mounted to said clean grain elevator chain; a bucket mounted to said clean grain elevator chain, wherein said bucket releases grain, and wherein said released grain contacts said sensor surface; and processing circuitry in data communication with said sensor, said processing circuitry configured to estimate a flow rate of grain based on a signal generated by said sensor, wherein said processing circuitry is further configured to distinguish a property pulse from a plurality of paddle pulses, said property pulse being generated when grain released by said bucket contacts said sensor surface, said paddle pulses being generated when grain released by said plurality of paddles contacts said sensor surface.