Abstract:
An Animal Feed Mixer (Dairy or Beef) Scale indicator system records Feed Mixer Operating Speed along with the operating temperatures and hydraulic &amp; lube oil pressures of the mixer gearboxes and hydraulic drive system and notifies the operator and records the temperature or pressures, along with the weight, date, and time, when limits have been exceeded.

Description:
[0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/165,547 filed May 22, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Agricultural machines may include various controls and sensors in order to control operation of the various aspects of the machines. An agricultural machine indicator (also referred to as an “indicator”) provides an interface through which a user can perform operations such as modifying control parameters, options and/or settings and accessing machine information such as operating conditions. The large numbers of settings and options indicators offer provide benefits and challenges to users (also referred to as end users). On the positive side indicators can be customized to meet a wide variety of needs. 
         [0003]    On the negative side when settings and options are setup incorrectly it can be challenging for the user, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Dealer, the OEM, and the indicator manufacturer (also referred to as the “indicator provider”) to find the setting, or settings, that prevent the indicator from operating correctly. 
         [0004]    This is especially frustrating when Tech Support from the indicator provider or the OEM have difficulties due to; language, miscommunication, and a lack of understanding from the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Remote access to a machine control indicator (using a smart device and/or farm network), significantly increases the ability of the OEMs and indicator providers to support products that are becoming increasingly complex. Problems and issues can be taken care of in less time which increases the efficiency of indicator provider and OEM Support Departments. This is especially true in International Markets where language barriers that result in travel time for field service calls can be eliminated. New indicator setup and customization can occur quickly and with less confusion and mistakes. 
         [0006]    In addition, the functionality described herein provides OEMs, especially Mixer OEMs, with the ability to more closely monitor their equipment by providing access to an Hours of Use and a Maintenance Message functionality. 
         [0007]    The need to provide improved methods of remotely accessing indicators to correct settings and options will only grow as a greater proportion of indicators are used with advanced settings for wireless (such as Wi-Fi) and Data Acquisition and Data Exchange. 
         [0008]    Capabilities for software updates add an additional element to the need for remote access. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a system and method provides a means to connect via radio or directly with the indicator that provides a means to access and setup the indicator as well as a means to update the software on the indicator. 
       Utilization of a Mobile Agricultural Weighing System to Monitor and Store Ancillary Operational Data for Diagnostic Purposes on Trailed and Truck-Mounted Equipment 
       [0010]    In one embodiment, a method and system for monitoring trailed and truck-mounted agricultural equipment uses a machine control indicator. The method and system provides the ability to transfer machine operation data to diagnose any problems and help the operator use the machine to obtain the best machine performance possible. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a machine control indicator system (also referred to as a scale indicator system) provides monitoring and recording capability for operational data on: system settings, weight, rotation, revolutions per minute, peak weights, gearbox temperatures, hydraulic pressures, and the minimum and maximum limits of this data, on mobile agricultural Seed Tenders, Planters, Seed Drills, Air Seeders, Grain Carts, or Feed Mixers. This system utilizes wired, wireless, or data transfer devices such as USB Drives for the transfer of this data. The system allows for the transfer of data required to diagnose drive and weighing system operation from the machine&#39;s location to another location via email or wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi), thus allowing for real-time user viewable data related to the operation of the machinery. 
         [0012]    Existing methods and systems utilize multiple systems and devices to accomplish the recording of the above noted operational performance data. Machines must be equipped with separate systems for individually monitoring: weight, operating speeds, gearbox temperatures, and hydraulic system pressures. The result is that Operator, OEM Dealer Support Technician, or Manufacturer must compare data from multiple sources to determine correlations and root causes that result in incorrect operation or equipment failures. Due to inherent variances in operational data collection it can therefore be difficult to properly determine the root causes and effects. 
         [0013]    The method and system described herein employs the concept of utilizing the electronics of the scale system to provide additional monitoring and data collection of machine operational parameters related to: weight, rotation (On/Off), revolutions per minute, peak weights, temperatures of gearboxes, and temperatures and pressures of hydraulic systems, and the minimum and maximum limits for each of these parameters, with the date and time at which each event is recorded. 
         [0014]    The Operator or Service Technician can download the recorded data using a USB Memory Device, Wired Cable Connection via Serial or CANBUS Communication, or wireless communication, to a computer or smart device equipped with a program or application that will display both the raw data in tabular form and with a graphical means based on a timeline. 
         [0015]    The graphical display of the data allows the viewer to easily determine when an event, or events, results in a concurrent effect on another component or the machine operating system as a whole. 
       Diagnostic Monitoring and Recording of Hydraulic System Components on Agricultural Mixers 
       [0016]    In one embodiment, an Animal Feed Mixer (Dairy or Beef) Scale indicator system records Feed Mixer Operating Speed along with the operating temperatures and hydraulic &amp; lube oil pressures of the mixer gearboxes and hydraulic drive system and notifies the operator and records the temperature or pressures, along with the weight, date, and time, when limits have been exceeded. 
         [0017]    The system records when the temperature and/or pressures of the mixer gearbox(s) and hydrostatic drive system monitored by the scale indicator system exceed limits along with the weight of material in the mixer, and the operating speed of the main mixer auger, rotor, or reel (as noted above), with the time and date. The system can also display a warning message that the temperature or pressure limit has been exceeded. 
         [0018]    Agricultural Feed Mixers, whether mounted on a trailer frame or truck chassis do not usually have an electronic system that will display warnings regarding the operating temperatures and pressures of the system being out of norm (like the oil pressure and temperature warning lights on an automobile). Therefore a need exists to display warnings in order to help protect the expensive components of the feed mixer&#39;s drive system. 
         [0019]    In addition there is a need to record both, when the warnings are displayed, and how many times the warnings have been displayed. This information can be used by the machine owner to perform checks on his employee/operators, and by the OEM Dealer and Manufacturer to aid in failure cause and warrantee investigations. 
         [0020]    Failure to heed the warnings can result in failures to gearboxes, hydraulic pumps, and/or hydraulic motors that are expensive to repair or replace. 
         [0021]    Furthermore it is useful to record the warning information with other mixer operational parameters that are happening at the same time including the mixer operating speed and the weight of material inside the mixer. 
         [0022]    The system described herein consists of a machine control indicator that also includes sensor inputs for rotational speed, pressure, and temperature. 
         [0023]    The indicator is programmed with the required temperature and pressure limits (high, low, or both) that a particular machine is designed to operate within. These programming settings are secured by a “factory” access code that is not available to the end user. 
         [0024]    When the limits of temperature or pressure are exceeded the indicator can display a “High Oil Temperature”, “Low Oil Pressure”, or “High Oil Pressure” warning on the display of the indicator in lieu of the weight information that is normally displayed. To clear the warning the operator will need to press a specific key to acknowledge. 
         [0025]    The indicator can, at the same time as the above, record the following background information in an even record regarding the warning: Date, Time, Revolutions per Minute, Weight in Mixer, and the Temperature or Pressure. 
         [0026]    The event records are retained, in one embodiment, in non-volatile memory which cannot be deleted without a factory access code and a special key sequence. The event records can be downloaded though the indicator&#39;s USB port. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, a method includes the step of receiving values at a scale indicator located in a cab of a tractor. The values are from a plurality of sensors located on an agricultural mixer attached to the tractor. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a weight sensor, a revolutions per minute sensor, an oil pressure sensor, and an oil temperature sensor. The values can include a weight value, a revolutions per minute value, an oil pressure value, and an oil temperature value. Each of the values is stored in a memory of the scale indicator with a date and time stamp. A warning is displayed in response to determining that one of the values is above a maximum value or a below a minimum value. The warning is stored with a date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. Values from the plurality of sensors are associated with the warning based on the date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. Additional warnings are stored as each additional warning is displayed. User input requesting retrieval of a history of warnings can be received by the scale indicator from a user device separate from the scale indicator. The scale indicator transmits the history of warnings to the user device in response to the request. The history of warnings can comprise a plurality of records of warnings. Each record can comprise an identification of a respective warning, a date and time associated with the respective warning, a weight value, a revolutions per minute value, an oil pressure value, and an oil temperature value detected at a time the respective warning was displayed. In one embodiment the associating values from the plurality of values includes associating values having date and time stamps during a time period starting from before displaying the warning and ending after displaying the warning. In one embodiment, each record further includes values from the plurality of sensors having date and time stamps during the time period. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, a method includes the step of receiving values at a scale indicator from a plurality of sensors located on an agricultural machine. A warning is displayed in response to determining that one of the values is above a maximum value or below a minimum value. The warning is stored with a date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. Values from the plurality of sensors are associated with the warning based on the date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. 
         [0000]    Recording Mixer Rotation Rate Along with Weight of Feed and Date and Time 
         [0029]    An Animal Feed Mixer (Dairy or Beef) Scale system that records Feed Mixer Operating Speed along with the Weight of Feed in the mixer over Time (with Date) is described herein. 
         [0030]    The system can record the Rotations per Minute of the primary mixing auger(s), rotor, or reel of an agricultural Feed Mixer along with the weight of feed in the mixer with date &amp; time. 
         [0031]    When mixing feed for dairy and beef animals there 3 steps necessary to achieve a good mix. These are: 
         [0032]    a. Loading the proper amount (by weight) of each feed ingredient: Corn Silage, Haylage, Dry Hay, Soy Meal, Cotton Seed, etc. 
         [0033]    b. Processing individual or combined ingredients to achieve the correct ingredient size. Feed ingredients from large round and large square bales of hay or baleage take time inside the mixer to be processed to the correct length. These ingredients are added to the mixer first so that the mixer can process the bale (break down and cut up the material). The time the mixer is allowed to run with the first ingredient(s), before any other ingredients are added, needs to be monitored and controlled. 
         [0034]    c. Once the mixer is completely loaded with all ingredients the total length of time the mixer mixes (actually the number of turns of the mixer) is very important. If the mixer is run for too short of a time the feed in the mixer will not be completely and uniformly mixed. If the mixer is run for too long of a period of time the mixer will over-mix the feed resulting in an over-processed mix with insufficient “length-of-cut” whereby the feed will not stimulate the rumen in the cow and the cow will not efficiently digest the feed. 
         [0035]    It is important to note that the “Time” spent mixing is dependent on the speed that the mixer is turning. The mix process is dependent on the number of turns of the mixer, not the time. For example; by careful observation the farmer finds that it takes 4 minutes at 20 rpm to achieve the correct mix. This equals 100 turns of the mixer. If the farmer&#39;s father operates the mixer at ¾ speed (15 rpm) he will need to run the mixer for an additional minute (5 minutes total) to achieve the same 100 turns of the mixer. 
         [0036]    For this reason the speed at which the mixer operates over time is what needs to be measured and recorded in order to know the number of revolutions. 
         [0037]    The system consists of: 
         [0038]    a. A Scale Indicator that, in addition to weighing, is fitted with a Rotation Counter sensor fitted to a main auger, rotor, or reel drive component to both sense that the component is turning and to count the revolutions of the shaft. 
         [0039]    b. The Indicator has a Setting to enter the correct ratio between the rotation that the Rotation Counter is sensing and the rotation of the main auger, rotor, or reel. The Indicator uses this ratio to count the rotations per minute that the main auger, rotor, or reel is turning. In one embodiment, this setting is protected by a security access code to prevent tampering with the settings. 
         [0040]    c. The Indicator system records both the weight of the individual ingredients and the speed at which the mixer main auger, rotor, or reel is operating at over time (with date). The Indicator records this information at periodic intervals with the interval being adjustable. 
         [0041]    The output data from the system can be displayed in a spreadsheet or graph showing Weight and RPM over Time. 
         [0042]    From this data an indicator provider and/or the customer can produce a dual line graph which will show Time on the horizontal “X” axis and two “Y” axis where “Y1” records Weight and “Y2” records the Mixer RPM. 
         [0043]    With this information it is easy to analyze the process and steps of loading the mixer, mixing the mix, and more as the feed is unloaded. 
         [0044]    The concept of recording the Revolutions Per Minute while mixing, and the Total Revolutions that take place to make a mix, of the Feed Mixer is beneficial to the indicator provider, machine provider, and machine user. 
         [0045]    By recording this information indicator provider can provide both the end user, and the manufacturer of the mixer, with data and information that is useful and important. 
         [0046]    The farm owner/manager can determine if the employees operating the mixer are following instructions and are operating the mixer at the correct speed for each step and for the correct amount of time. 
         [0047]    For the OEM manufacturer this info will tell the OEM if; the mixer has been over-sped, i.e. run at too high of a speed (such that it would cause damage), improper operation resulted in damage that is not warrantable, mixing data that the OEM can use to help train and coach the end user farmer in how to properly operate the mixer. 
         [0048]    The system also senses the operating temperatures and hydraulic &amp; lube oil pressures of the mixer gearboxes and hydraulic drive system and notifies the operator and records the temperature or pressures, along with the weight, date, and time, when limits have been exceeded. 
         [0049]    Recording the Rotations per Minute of the primary mixing auger(s), rotor, or reel of an agricultural Feed Mixer along with the weight of feed in the mixer with date &amp; time. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  depicts a system for remote indicator access according to one embodiment; 
           [0051]      FIG. 2  depicts a system for remote indicator access according to another embodiment; 
           [0052]      FIG. 3  depicts a system for remote indicator access according to another embodiment; 
           [0053]      FIG. 4  depicts a system for remote indicator access according to another embodiment; 
           [0054]      FIG. 5  depicts a mixing profile according to one embodiment; 
           [0055]      FIG. 6  depicts mixing profile and a mixing log according to one embodiment; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7  depicts a graph illustrating hours a machine is run at various RPMs; 
           [0057]      FIG. 8  depicts a flow chart of a method for diagnostic monitoring and recording of data from system components on agricultural machines according to an embodiment; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 9  depicts a high level block diagram of a computer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0059]      FIG. 1  depicts a system for remote indicator access according to one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a tractor  100  has a machine attached. In this case, the machine is a feed mixer  102  for mixing ingredients to be fed to animals. Feed mixer  102  is shown in the process of receiving ingredients from front loader  104 . Tractor  100  has a machine control indicator  106  (also referred to as a scale display or scale indicator) which can be located in the cab of tractor  100  to provide information to a user. Machine control indicator  106  can be mounted in other locations as well such as on feed mixer  102 . Machine control indicator  106  receives inputs from various sensors including rotations per minute (RPM) sensor  108 , pressure sensor  110 , and temperature sensor  112 . Machine control indicator  106  is also in communication with load cell junction box  114  which receives data from load cells  116  and  118  (also referred to as weight sensors) which can be used to provide weight information to indicator  106 . In one embodiment, sensors  108 ,  110 , and  112 , and load cell junction box  114  are wired to machine control indicator  106 . In other embodiments, various data can be transmitted from sensors wirelessly to machine control indicator  106 . In one embodiment, machine control indicator  106  is also connected to various outputs such as alarms (e.g., 12 volt wired audible alarm). 
         [0060]    Machine control indicator  106  is in communication with a user device  120  which can be any electronic device capable of communicating with machine control head  106 . For example, user device  120  can be a smart phone or tablet. In one embodiment, user device  120  receives information from machine control indicator  106  which can then be displayed via an application (also referred to as app) or program executed by user device  120 . User device  120  is also in communication with other devices via network  122  which can be any type of network such as a wide area network or local area network. In one embodiment, user device  120  communicates with a customer service device  124  and other devices via a network  122 , such as the Internet. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, information displayed by machine control indicator  106  can also be viewed by user device  120 . User device  120  can also be used to remotely interact with machine control indicator  106  in a manner similar to a user interacting directly with machine control indicator  106 . A user can also allow another user, such as a customer service representative to view information displayed by machine control indicator  106 . In one embodiment, user device  120  can act as a conduit to allow a user, such as a customer service representative, to interact with machine control indicator  106  using customer service device  124 . Customer service device, in one embodiment, is a desktop computer but can be any type of device capable of communicating with user device  120  and indicator  106 . In one embodiment, machine control indicator  106  is capable of communicating simultaneously with user device  120  and customer service device  124 . Various communications can be facilitated by machine control indicator  106 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment in which machine control indicator  202  is in communication with customer service device  208  via a user device  204  and wide area network  206  (in this case, the internet). A customer service representative can use customer service device  208  running a remote access program to connect through wide area network  206  and user device  204  to allow data to be transferred from machine control indicator  202  to customer service device  208  and back. The transfer of information can be used to provide capabilities including remote cab control, menu setup setting transfer, other record transfer, etc. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment in which machine control indicator  302  communicates with a customer service device  310  via a customer&#39;s local network. As shown in  FIG. 3 , machine control indicator  302  is in communication with customer&#39;s desktop computer  306  via the customer&#39;s wireless device  304  (e.g., a Wi-Fi router). Customer&#39;s desktop computer  306  is in communication with customer service device  310  via network  308  (e.g., the internet). In this embodiment, a customer service person can use customer service device  208  running a remote access program to connect to machine control indicator  302  through wide area network  308 , customer&#39;s desktop computer  306 , and customer&#39;s wireless device  304  to allow data to be transferred from machine control indicator  302  to customer service device  310  and back. The transfer of information can be used to provide capabilities including remote cab control, menu setup setting transfer, other record transfer, etc. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment in which machine control indicator  402  communicates with customer service device  410  via customer&#39;s computer  404  (e.g., a laptop), customer&#39;s wireless device  406  and wide area network  408  (e.g., the internet). Customer&#39;s computer  404  communicates with machine control indicator  402  and transmits information received from machine control indicator  402  to customer service device  410 . Customer&#39;s computer  404  also transmits information from customer service device  410  to machine control indicator  402 . The transfer of information can be used to provide capabilities including remote cab control, menu setup setting transfer, other record transfer, etc. 
         [0065]    The wireless capability of the machine control indicator allows a user with a user device to stand in the general vicinity of the indicator and communicate with the indicator. This wireless capability allows a user to move around a machine associated with the machine control indicator and still view information from the indicator as well as control the indicator. As such, a user can perform various tasks without the need to be within reach of the indicator. In one embodiment, a customer service device can receive information directly from an indicator or via a user device. Various configurations which allow a customer service representative to view and/or modify indicator settings and information or a user to view and/or modify indicator settings are possible using one of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, a machine control indicator (e.g.,  106 ,  202 ,  302 , or  402 ) is provided with wireless circuitry internally mounted. In one embodiment, wireless circuitry is added to a machine control indicator in the form of an external add on device. Such an external device, in one embodiment is connected to the machine control indicator via a wired connection, such as a wired connection to a serial port. In one embodiment, a J905 connector, or other connector, is added to machine control indictor to allow the machine control indicator to be connected to other devices using, for example, an external radio module (ERM) or serial cable. In one embodiment, an internal diagnostic cable is located inside a machine control indicator that allows connection to other devices using, for example, an ERM or serial cable. In one embodiment, an internal diagnostic connection point (e.g., a header) is located inside each machine control indicator that allows connection to other devices using, for example, an ERM or serial cable. 
         [0067]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , communication among machine control indicator  106 , user device  120 , and customer service device  124  facilitates multiple operations as follows. 
         [0068]    Communication facilitates bi-directional transfer of indicator calibration and menu settings to and through the application (referred to as an “app”) operating on user device  120 . This allows service centers to connect to the indicator to backup and/or change the indicator&#39;s menu settings remotely. The indicator&#39;s menu settings can be transferred to and stored on the app to create a backup on the app device, to e-mail the settings to a customer service center for review, to transfer revised settings e-mailed from a customer service center through the app to the indicator, and/or allow data located on the app to be accessible to e-mail and other apps. 
         [0069]    In one embodiment, information provided by an indicator can be viewed remotely using various devices. In one embodiment, “cab control” allows a user to view indicator information and interact with an indicator remotely. For example, a device facilitating cab control can be located in a cab of front loader  104  shown in  FIG. 1 . Cab control allows a user in the cab of front loader  104  to see how much of an ingredient has been added to mixer  102  as the user is operating front loader  104  and may not be in viewing range of an indicator associated with mixer  102 . 
         [0070]    Communication also facilitates real-time cab control via customer service device  124 . This provides a customer service representative with the ability to interact with the indicator remotely in a manner similar to how a user can interact directly with the indicator. This allows a remote customer service representative to see everything a local cab control app screen is displaying on a user device. It also allows the service center to operate the indicator remotely (e.g., push keys, read the display, change menu settings, etc.). It also allows the service center to observe how a customer is running the indicator. 
         [0071]    Communication also facilitates cab control via user device  120 . This allows user device  120  to interact with the indicator remotely (e.g., push buttons, read the display, change calibration and menu settings, etc.) via an app running on user device  120 . It should be noted that real-time cab control via customer service device  124  and via user device  120  can occur simultaneously. 
         [0072]    Communication also facilitates a rotation counter and/or timer on the app. A rotation counter and/or timer provides a user with a timer countdown display and alarm activation functionality to allow the operator to take the user device with them and leave the mixing area to perform other tasks until the mix finishes. 
         [0073]    Communication also facilitates an hour meter. An hour meter value can be displayed on the app. An hour meter value can be transferred to the app to allow additional maintenance messages to be displayed in accordance with OEM recommendations. In one embodiment, maintenance messages can be edited on the app. Editing can include editing of the message text to be displayed on the app and the number of hours at which the message is to be activated. In one embodiment messages are displayed via a pop-up box with the message and a button such as “OK” or “Clear” which requires a response from a user. Hour meter value information can be transferred to and/or from a service center. 
         [0074]    Communication facilitates display of rotations per minute (RPM) history and/or analysis.  FIG. 5  depicts graph  500  of a mixing profile according to one embodiment. Graph  500  depicts an RPM profile of how a user has been running their machine which can aid in determining if the user is mixing correctly. In one embodiment, mixing profile data is captured as follows. 
         [0075]    Section A depicts data captured for each mixer load. Data is collected for the entire feed cycle including loading the mixer with ingredients, mixing the ingredients (mix time) and unloading of the mixer. In one embodiment, data is captured for at least the last 50 loads. 
         [0076]    Starting point  502  is when the gross weight meets or exceeds the “Mix Log Start Point Weight” menu setting (default 300 lbs.) and pulses are being detected for the Rotation Counter (meaning the mix auger is rotating). The data logged for each mixer load at the “Start Pont”, in one embodiment, includes:
   i. Current Gross Weight (should be near 0 lbs/kgs—6 number).   ii. Current Rotation Counter value (1234—Last 4 values of the Mixometer).   iii. Current RPM value (1234—four numbers).   iv. Current Time (14:15:46—6 character date and 24 hour clock with seconds)   v. Current Date (17MR15).   vi. Mix Load Number (123—Automatically increases for each load and should rollover from 999 to 001.)   
 
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         [0083]    Mid-Point  504  is when the gross weight decreases by the new “Mix Log Mid-Point Weight Tolerance” Menu setting (default 300 lbs.) This is to determine when the user has finished the loading/mixing process and is starting to unload the mixer. For example, a user adds and mixes feed ingredients up to mid-point  504 . At mid-point  504 , a discharge door or gate of the mixer is opened so that the feed can be discharged from the feed mixer for access by animals, such as livestock. A user may need to move the feed mixer around an area in order to discharge feed at various locations. As shown in  FIG. 5 , after mid-point  504 , the weight of feed measured decreases as the feed mixer is emptied. The speed of the feed mixer is detected and recorded during the time the feed mixer is discharged. The method also supports shutting the mix auger OFF, pausing, and back ON again during the loading process. If the Rotation Counter stops seeing pulses (i.e. they have turned OFF the mix auger), the “Total Mix Time” is paused and then continues to accumulate the “Total Mix Time” when Rotation Counter pulses begin again. The mix auger must be rotating to unload a feed mixer, so rotation counter pulses should be seen while unloading the 300 lbs. The data logged for mid-point  504 , in one embodiment, includes:
   vii. Current Gross We   viii. Current Rotation Counter value (1234—Last 4 values of the Mixometer), This will be used to determine the number of rotation counts between the starting point and the mid-point—Mixer Loading Rotation Duration Counts (XXXX).   ix. Current RPM value (1234—four numbers).   x. Mixer Loading Duration Time (HH:MM:SS)—this is the length of time between the starting point and the mid-point.   xi. Current value entered/stored far the Rotation Counter key.   xii. If batching: The total amount loaded identified by the batching code.   i. Current Gross Weight (should be near 0 lbs/kgs—6 number).   ii. Current Rotation Counter value (1234—Last 4 values of the Mixometer).   iii. Current RPM value (1234—our numbers).   iv. Current Time (14:15:46—6 character date and 24 hour clock with seconds)   v. Current Date (17MR15).   vi. Mix Load Number (123—Automatically increases for each load and should rollover from 999 to 001.)   
 
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         [0096]    Stop Point  506  is when the gross weight decreases into the Zero/Balance point+the new “Mix Log Start Point Weight” described previously. The method also supports shutting the mix auger OFF, pausing and back ON again during the unloading process. If the Rotation Counter stops seeing pulses (i.e. they have turned OFF the mix auger), the “Total Mix Time” is paused and then continues to accumulate the “Total Mix Time” when Rotation Counter pulses begin again. The mix auger must be rotating to unload a feed mixer, so rotation counter pulses should be seen while unloading the 300 lbs. 
         [0097]    The data logged for each mixer load at the “Stop Point”, in one embodiment, includes:
   xiii. Current Gross Weight (should be near 0 lbs/kgs).   xiv. Current Rotation Counter value (Mixometer).   xv. Current RPM value (1234—four numbers).   xvi. Mixer Unloading Duration Time (HH:MM:SS)—this is the length of time between the mid-point and the stop point.   xvii. Total Time (includes seconds) while loading and mixing (stops when the operator starts the unloading process).   xviii. Current Time (14:15:46—6 character date and 24 hour clock with seconds)   xix. Current Date (17MR15).   
 
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                  xiii xiv xv 
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                 xvii 
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                 xix 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0105]    The data can also be combined as shown below: 
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                 Example of all three sets of data: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
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                 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Start −&gt; “000000,2150,0018,14:10:05,05FE08,0001” 
               
               
                  Mid −&gt; “024150,2175,0024,00:14:25,000025,024150“ 
               
               
                  End −&gt; “000000,2195,0010,00:08:10,00:22:35,14:33:35,05FE08“ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0106]      FIG. 6  depicts mixing profile  500  from  FIG. 5  and also includes mixing log  600 . In one embodiment, data is captured every X number of seconds (e.g., 1-999, with a default of 15). This interval can be identified by a user via a menu setting. The timer interval is selected to provide enough detail to create a chart showing how a feed mixer was used. In one embodiment, such data is captured for each mixer load. The data can be collected for the entire feeding cycle including loading the mixer with ingredients, mixing the ingredients (mix time), and unloading the mixer. Data is stored when a user pauses the mixing cycle (i.e., no rotation pulses). In one embodiment, data is recorded for at least the last 50 loads. 
         [0107]    Rotation pulse data (i.e., RPM) is saved beginning at starting point  502 . The data logged for each mixer load at start point  502  includes:
   i. Once per load: Mix Load Number (123—Automatically increases for each load and should rollover from 999 to 001.)   ii. Once per load: Mix Log Time Interval Seconds (123)   iii. Current Gross Weight (should be near 0 lbs/kgs).   iv. Current RPM value (1234—four numbers).   
 
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                 Example data: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
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                 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Start −&gt; “001,015,000010,0015,000120,0015,000240,0015... . .” 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  i ii iii 
                 iv iii 
                 iv 
                 iii 
                 iv... . . 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0112]    Data capture and storage for the mix log ends at stop point  506 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 7  depicts Hours/RPM graph  700  which shows hours a machine has been run at various RPMs. Mixers and other equipment typically have optimal speeds. Recording speed information allows an OEM to know how an end user is using a piece of equipment, such as a mixer. In addition, recorded speed information allows an OEM to determine if changes are required to better use the equipment (i.e., mix ingredients better). Because applications may vary, a flexible way to capture RPM is provided. Some examples of possible menu settings include:
   v. Capture every hour for RPM&#39;s from 0-99 RPM&#39;s.
       1. RPM History Low Starting Point=0.   2. RPM History Low Resolution=1.   3. RPM History High Starting Point=50.   4. RPM History High Resolution=1.   
       vi. Capture every hour for RPM&#39;s from 0-49 RPM&#39;s and also look at RPM&#39;s above 50, but at a tower resolution.
       5. RPM History Low Starting. Point=0.   6. RPM History Low Resolution=1.   7. RPM History High Starting Point=50.   8. RPM History High Resolution=5.   
       vii. Capture every hour for RPM&#39;s from 250-350 RPM&#39;s and 950-1050 RPM&#39;s
       9. RPM History Low Starting Point=250.   10. RPM History Low Resolution=2.   11. RPM History High Starting Point=950.   12. RPM History High Resolution=2.   
       
 
         [0129]    In one embodiment, another method for capturing RPM includes:
   vi. Add the capability to the indicator to record the amount of time that the feed mixer is running and at what RPM at two different RPMs.
       13. Allow a maximum of 50 data points (each). The data point value should support numbers up to 999,999,999 (ulong is fine) to provide enough history.   14. Add Menu Settings to the indicator to tailor how these data points are used:
           a. RPM History Low Starting Point (default=0).   b. RPM History Low Resolution (default=1).   c. RPM History High Starting Point (default=50).   d. RPM History High Resolution (default=1).   
           
       ix. Allow these Menu Settings to be set remotely (by the App or serially).   x. Mow the data points to be reset remotely to 0 (by the App or serially). This clears ALL data points, not on an individual basis.
       15. Nice to Have—separate resets for Low and High history.   
       xi. Nice to Have—Use the “Low Starting point” to record ALL of the hours for any RPM&#39;s at or below that RPM.   xii. Nice to Have—Use the last PPM data point of the “High Starting point” to record ALL of the hours for any RPM&#39;s at or above that RPM.   
 
         [0142]    All of the data described above can be captured by a machine control head and various sensors. The data can be transferred to a customer service center for remote viewing and analysis. 
         [0143]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , communication between machine control indicator  106 , user device  120  and customer service device  124  also facilitates display of current machine RPM. This allows a user and a customer service representative to see how the user is currently operating a machine, such as a feed mixer. 
         [0144]    Communication also facilitates viewing of peak weight transfers in order to determine possible equipment abuse issues. In one embodiment, peak weight transfer information is only available to a customer service representative and not a user. 
         [0145]    Communication also facilitates transmission of data pertaining to user input to a machine control indicator. In one embodiment, key presses reflecting a user interacting with a machine control indicator are recorded and can be transmitted to a customer service representative for viewing and analysis. This information can help a customer service representative understand how a user is interacting with the machine control indicator. 
         [0146]    Communication also facilitates transmission of current alarm status information on a cab control app. In one embodiment, the current alarm status allows a user to know when to shut off a machine, such as an auger, when away from the scale while loading ingredients from bins, tanks, and/or silos. 
         [0147]    Communication facilitates bi-directional transfer of total mixed rations (TMR) tracker feedline batching feedlines. Total mixed rations, in one embodiment, are recipes used to produce proper feed mixes. In one embodiment, TMR information is tracked by a machine control indicator and can be retrieved and displayed by a user device and/or a customer service device. A customer service representative can use TMR information received from a machine control indicator to determine how a TMR recipe should be adjusted based on information from a user after examination and analysis of feed output from a mixer. A customer service representative can also transmit a new and/or modified recipe to a machine control indicator in order to correct an issue with a feed mix. The new and/or modified recipe could be created using a feed management computer program (such as TMR Tracker). 
         [0148]    In one embodiment, machine control indicator  106  of  FIG. 1  has additional sensor inputs (e.g., analog and/or digital inputs). In one embodiment, additional sensors can be used to provide data to machine control indicator  106  in order to record parameters, such as temperature, and produce alarm outputs to alert a user to certain conditions. For example, temperature sensors can be placed in machine gearboxes in order to track the temperature of gear fluid in the gearbox and provide warnings to a user as necessary. In one embodiment, warning messages and/or alarms are provided to a user when a temperature exceeds a value for a temperature parameter set via a menu setting. 
         [0149]    In one embodiment, the machine control indicator has a menu setting which allows a user to customize an alpha-numeric message, such as a warning message, to be displayed when a certain condition occurs, such as a maximum temperature being exceeded. For example, a maximum temperature being exceeded can produce a warning message, such as “HITEMP”, on a display of the machine control indicator. In one embodiment, a warning message interrupts a displayed weight and the message flashes for 3 seconds. Next, a scaled sensor value is flashed for 3 seconds before the indicator returns to displaying a weight. The displaying of warning messages and scaled sensor values can be repeated, in one embodiment, every minute, until the input goes below the maximum setting. 
         [0150]    In one embodiment, a menu selection of the machine control indicator allows a user to indicate that an alarm light is to be activated when a maximum setting has been reached. For example, a user can set an alarm light to illuminate when a maximum temperature has been met and/or exceeded. 
         [0151]    In one embodiment, a menu selection of the machine control indicator allows a user to indicate when an alarm (such as an audible alarm) is to be output. For example, a user can set an alarm to be output when a maximum temperature has been met and/or exceeded. 
         [0152]    In one embodiment, the machine control indicator includes a menu setting which allows a user to calibrate and/or scale sensor inputs. In one embodiment, a selection offered by the machine control indicator allows a sensor value to be displayed on a large display such as a six character LCD. 
         [0153]    Machine control indicator  106 , in one embodiment, can store sensor values. For example, the last 5 peak scaled sensor reading can be stored. In one embodiment, values to be stored per sensor input include: a scaled sensor value (i.e., gear box 1 temperature—1234), time (14:10:05), Date (05FE08), and elapsed time over the “maximum setting” value (HHH:MM:SS). This data can be transferred to a customer service device and/or to a web-server for storage and later viewing. Scaled sensor reading, such as temperatures) can be included in both Section A—mixing details (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and Section B-Mixing log (shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Example of updated Section A data: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
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                 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Start −&gt; “000000,2150,0018,0070,0000,14:10:05,05FE08,0001” 
               
               
                  Mid −&gt; “024150,2175,0024,0120,0000,00:14:25,000025,024150“ 
               
               
                  End −&gt; “000000,2195,0010,0100,0000,00:08:10,00:22:35,14:33:35,05FE08“ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0154]    With respect to Section B data, the data for the mixing log is saved beginning at the starting point described in Section A. The data to be logged for each mixer load at start point  502  includes:
   v. Once per load: Mix Load Number (123—Automatically increases and should rollover from 999 to 001.)   v. Once per load: Mix Log Time Interval Seconds (123)   vi. Once per load: Maximum Sensor 1 Setting (1234)   vii. Once per load: Maximum Sensor 2 Setting (1234)   viii. Current Gross Weight (should be near 0 lbs/kgs).   ix. Current RPM value (1234—four numbers).   x. Current Scaled Sensor 1 value (1234—four numbers).   xi. Current Scaled Sensor 2 value (1234 four numbers)
       Repeat v-viii until “stop point”.   
       
 
         [0164]    A data stream including the data above, according to one embodiment, is as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
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                 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Start −&gt; “001,015,0150,0150,000010,0015,0070,000,....” 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  i ii iii 
                 iv v 
                 vi vii viii, repeat ... . . 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0165]    In one embodiment, data storage ends for the mix log at stop point  506  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0166]      FIG. 8  depicts a flow chart of a method  800  for diagnostic monitoring and recording of operational data from system components on agricultural machines. Specifically, method  800  pertains to monitoring and recording of hydraulic system components of an agricultural mixer according to one embodiment. At step  802 , values from a plurality of sensors located on an agricultural mixer are received by a scale indicator  106  located on a tractor  100 . The plurality of values pertain to various operational parameters of the agricultural mixer that is operationally coupled to the tractor. The plurality of values are generated by one or more sensors including, for example, a weight sensor  118 , a revolutions per minute sensor  108 , an oil pressure sensor  110 , and an oil temperature sensor  112 . At step  804 , each of the values is stored, in one embodiment, in a memory of the scale indicator. In one embodiment, the values include one or more of a weight value, a revolutions per minute value, an oil pressure value, and an oil temperature value. At step  806 , a warning is displayed in response to determining that one of the values is above a maximum value or below a minimum value. In one embodiment, the warning is displayed to a user located in a cab of tractor  100  via scale indicator  106 . At step  808 , the warning is stored, in one embodiment, in the memory of the scale indicator along with a date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. In one embodiment, the date and time the warning was displayed is approximately that same date and time that a value was above a maximum value or below a minimum value. At step  810 , values from the plurality of sensors are associated with the warning based on the date and time stamp identifying when the warning was displayed. 
         [0167]    Multiple warnings can be displayed to a user simultaneously or over time. In one embodiment, scale indicator  106  can be configured to store multiple warnings and associated information. At step  812 , additional warnings are stored in the memory of the scale indicator as each additional warning is displayed. At step  814 , user input is received at the scale indicator requesting retrieval of a history of warnings. In one embodiment, the user input is received from a user device that is separate from the scale indicator. At step  816 , the history of warnings is transmitted to the user device. In one embodiment, the history of warnings comprises a plurality of records of warnings. Each record comprises an identification of a respective warning, a date and time associated with the respective warning, a weight value, a revolutions per minute value, an oil pressure value, and an oil temperature value detected at a time the respective warning was displayed. 
         [0168]    In one embodiment, at step  810 , the associating values from the plurality of sensors comprises associating values having date and time stamps during a time period starting from before displaying the warning and ending after displaying the warning. This can be used to provide a user with additional information concerning operational parameters before and after the warning is displayed and can be used to determine how and why the warning occurred. In one embodiment, each record further comprises values from the plurality of sensors having date and time stamps during the time period. 
         [0169]    Machine control indicator  106  of  FIG. 1 , machine control indicators shown in other figures, and other components can be implemented using a computer. A high-level block diagram of such a computer is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Computer  902  contains a processor  904  which controls the overall operation of the computer  902  by executing computer program instructions which define such operation. The computer program instructions may be stored in a storage device  912 , or other computer readable medium (e.g., magnetic disk, CD ROM, etc.), and loaded into memory  910  when execution of the computer program instructions is desired. Thus, the method steps of  FIG. 8  can be defined by the computer program instructions stored in the memory  910  and/or storage  912  and controlled by the processor  904  executing the computer program instructions. For example, the computer program instructions can be implemented as computer executable code programmed by one skilled in the art to perform an algorithm defined by the method steps of  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, by executing the computer program instructions, the processor  904  executes an algorithm defined by the method steps of  FIG. 8 . The computer  902  also includes one or more network interfaces  906  for communicating with other devices via a network. The computer  902  also includes input/output devices  908  that enable user interaction with the computer  902  (e.g., display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.) One skilled in the art will recognize that an implementation of an actual computer could contain other components as well, and that  FIG. 9  is a high level representation of some of the components of such a computer for illustrative purposes. 
         [0170]    The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the inventive concept disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the inventive concept and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concept. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concept.