Patent ID: 6508049
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: A01D,G01F,G01G

Abstract:
A mass flow sensor apparatus for a crop harvester having a crop receiving section, one or more inclined elevator flights leading to an upper elevator section having a floor section that is traversed by portions of a harvested crop carried by the elevator, said mass flow sensor apparatus including:a) a weigh pad for receiving portions of the harvested crop; b) a first transducer means associated with the weigh pad for producing mass signals indicative of a mass received by the weigh pad; and c) an error correction means for correction of measurement errors in said mass signals; d) whereby, in use, the weight pad is mounted in the crop harvester at a location substantially co-planar with the floor section such that portions of the harvested crop traverse said weigh pad and the error correction means is operatively associated with said crop harvester, the positioning of the weigh pad in the floor section of the upper elevator section reducing error that may occur in the inclined elevator sections, wherein the weigh pad includes a plate member, that, in use, is movable with respect to the floor section, and wherein the plate member includes guides or flexible supports whereby, in use, the plate member moves rectilinearly within an aperture in said floor section.