Manipulative auger system

An auger assembly for moving material is disclosed. The auger assembly includes a first auger section, second auger section, and joint connecting the two sections. The second auger section includes an auger assembly output for dispensing material, such as a harvested grain. The first auger section, second auger section, and joint each rotate about its own axis, thereby causing three-dimensional movement of the auger assembly and particularly the auger assembly output. The auger assembly is capable of both manual control, such as by a joystick, and automatic control, such as by an electronic controller. Also provided is a material handling apparatus employing the disclosed auger assembly and also including a container for storing material to be moved by the auger assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to augers used in the handling of material. More specifically, the present invention relates to the accurate loading of any material, such as a harvested product including but not limited to harvested grain into a vehicle, such as a truck or wagon, without the need for either piece of equipment to be moved. To that end, the present invention relates to an auger, the output end of which is capable of three-directional movement. The auger of the present invention is capable of both manual and electronic control. The invention further relates to a surge bin employing said auger.

BACKGROUND

Harvest is generally a very busy time of year for those in the agriculture industry. Time and efficiency are important factors for a successful harvest. The task requires use of many resources, including equipment and personnel. For example, a typical grain harvest operation includes at least one combine to remove a crop from a field, but more often includes approximately three combines per field. Usually, each combine dispenses harvested product into a grain wagon, which a tractor pulls alongside the combine. Generally, the grain cart includes a means for removing the grain from the cart and depositing it into an apparatus that will transport the grain to a permanent or semi-permanent destination, such as a grain elevator, biofuel plant, or grain bin. Such apparatuses include, but are not limited to, grain wagons and semi-trucks.

Most farms are measured in sections of land, with a section being approximately one square mile, and one quarter section being a common farm size. One quarter section is approximately 160 acres. Most agricultural operations require three combines to harvest a quarter section of grain. Accordingly, the harvest task requires three combine operators as well as three tractor operators to pull grain wagons alongside the combines. Moreover, operators are required for the trucks and grain wagons used to transport the harvested grain to a destination. Hence, harvest is a labor and personnel intensive activity that must be completed in a short time.

One semi-permanent destination for a harvested product, such as a harvested grain product, is a surge bin. A surge bin is a large, yet portable, grain storage apparatus for use during harvest. The surge bin is placed in a field to be harvested. Once the combines fill their respective grain carts, the grain carts unload into the surge bin via means such as an auger or belt conveyer. The surge bin holds the grain until a transport apparatus, such as a truck or grain wagon, is available to move the product to a destination located outside of the field. At such time as a transport apparatus becomes available, the harvested product is moved to same. In addition, surge bins are useful for co-ops and elevators to store product. One means for moving harvested material from the surge bin is by an auger.

Traditionally, augers are stationary devices, although some agricultural augers have the ability to pivot in a limited manner. Some agricultural augers pivot about a hinge, such as a piano hinge, to permit folding of an upper portion of the auger when not in use. However, when folded, these augers no longer permit material to be moved. Accordingly, in order to evenly distribute grain in a truck or wagon, one of the apparatuses must be moved. For example, when a grain cart is unloading into the trailer of a semi-truck, one or both of the grain cart and semi-truck must be moved to evenly distribute grain in the semi-truck. In another example, when moving grain from a stationary surge bin to the trailer of a semi-truck, the semi-truck must be moved during the loading process. This activity requires two operators, an operator for the surge bin auger and an operator to run the semi-truck.

An auger with limited pivotal movement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,344, which provides an auger device having an upper and lower auger. The lower auger is fixed to a grain cart, while the upper auger is capable of pivoting around a single axis. Although this provides for some movement of the auger, the auger described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,344 is only capable of movement in a circular arc. Accordingly, the prior art auger is unable to fill a transport apparatus, such as a semi-truck, from the same horizontal plane above the truck. Another auger with limited pivotal movement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,116, which provides an auger having a single auger length. The single auger length is capable of pivotal movement in two planes, allowing for front-to-back movement and up-and-down movement of the auger with respect to the grain cart to which it is attached. However, because of the limited, two-directional movement of the auger, the problems associated with the circular path discussed above are still present. Additionally, some augers of the prior art employ adjustable spouts or outputs to dispense material in a particular direction. However, these augers are not capable of a full range of movement, thus requiring movement or precise parking of an apparatus to be filled.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an auger assembly that is capable of a full range of three-directional motion, including, but not limited to, front-to-back, up-and-down, and in-and-out motions with respect to a material handling device to which it is attached. There is further a need in the art for a surge bin employing such an auger, which would eliminate the need for a second operator to facilitate the transfer of grain from the surge bin to a semi-truck or wagon. Such an auger would further have the ability to fill the long trailer of a semi-truck while moving along a straight path above the trailer, which allows for increased accuracy during the process. Furthermore, such an auger would have the ability to occupy any point in space above the trailer during filling without movement of the bin to which the auger is attached or the semi-truck.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a manipulative auger system wherein the auger assembly is capable of three-directional movement, thus allowing a user to move the auger over the top of a semi-truck trailer in a straight line so as to evenly fill the trailer. Also included in the present invention is a material handling apparatus, including but not limited to a grain cart or surge bin, employing said auger assembly. The provided auger assembly includes a first auger section and a second auger section connected by a joint. The first auger section moves harvested product from the material handling apparatus to the second auger section by way of a transition through the joint. The second auger section moves the harvested product from the first auger section to an auger assembly output, which dispenses product into a transport apparatus. The present invention provides an auger that may move across the length of a transport apparatus, such as the trailer of a semi-truck or a grain wagon. Therefore, both the material handling apparatus to which the auger is attached and the transport apparatus into which the auger is unloading may remain stationary. This eliminates the need for a second operator, as the driver of the semi-truck or tractor pulling the grain wagon may park his apparatus, disembark from same, and operate the auger.

In the preferred embodiment, the first auger section is movably connected to the wall of a material handling apparatus that is closest to the tractor pulling same. Preferably, material flows through at least one auger door located in the material handling apparatus that regulates the flow of product. The first auger section is further connected to a joint, which connects the first auger section and second auger section. The joint is movably connected to the first auger section. The second auger section is movably connected to the joint. Accordingly, the auger assembly includes three points at which movement may occur, allowing for three-directional movement of the auger assembly output. The auger assembly output is located at the opposite end of the second auger section from the joint. Product is discharged through the auger assembly output.

In the preferred embodiment, the auger assembly includes an electronic controller which is adapted to control movement of the auger and/or the auger door(s). Further, in the preferred embodiment, the auger assembly is also capable of manual control, such as via a joystick. The electronic controller takes the form of a console that includes a screen and control buttons. The controller may be located in the cab of the tractor pulling the material handling apparatus to which the auger is attached or may be located on the material handling apparatus, such as a surge bin or grain cart. In the preferred embodiment, the controller is located in the cab of the tractor. Furthermore, the tractor provides power for the hydraulic, power take-off, and electronics of the auger assembly components. Alternatively, the power for the above-referenced systems could come from another source, such as a source self-contained on the surge bin. In the preferred embodiment, the controller is adapted to automatically start and/or stop an unloading process.

Also provided is a material handling apparatus including a storage container for storing material, an auger door, and an auger assembly. The material handling apparatus, which may include but is not limited to a surge bin or grain cart, generally stores material temporarily during the harvest process. Accordingly, the device must be able to quickly and accurately unload product into another handling device. To that end, the output of the auger assembly is capable of three-directional movement. Further, the auger may be electronically and/or manually controlled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of an auger assembly100for moving material. One particular use of such an auger assembly100is for the movement of a harvested crop, such as during the harvest operation itself. Also included in the present invention is a material handling apparatus200employing the auger assembly100of the present invention. For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description and illustrations often refer to the auger assembly100for use with a material handling apparatus200that is a surge bin. It should be appreciated that the auger assembly100of the present invention may be used with any equipment, whether directed to a harvest function or otherwise. Further, it should be appreciated that the material handling apparatus200may be any agricultural equipment that handles a harvested crop, whether during the actual harvest operation or at a point in time thereafter. Oftentimes, the detailed description will refer to a material that is a grain. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is for use with any material.

Referring toFIG. 1, an auger assembly100(sometimes “assembly”) and material handling apparatus200(sometimes “apparatus”) are shown. The assembly100includes a first auger section102and a second auger section104. The assembly100further includes a joint106located between and connecting the first auger section102and second auger section104, which is shown in further detail inFIGS. 3 and 4. The first auger section102is connected at its proximal end112to a material handling apparatus200at an auger assembly intake108(shown inFIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the material handling apparatus is a surge bin. As is known in the art, a surge bin for agricultural use is a large, yet transportable storage bin. During a harvest operation, the surge bin may be pulled by a tractor from field to field to temporarily store harvested product. Further advantages of a surge bin of the present invention will be discussed in further detail below.FIG. 1illustrates the auger assembly100of the present invention in an operational mode. As seen inFIG. 2, the auger assembly100may also be folded into a non-operational or resting position when not in use. Generally the auger assembly100of the present invention is designed to dispense grain on the right side of a material handling apparatus200; however, one of skill in the art will recognize that the auger assembly100of the present invention may be adapted to dispense material in any direction.

As shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 3, the first auger section102includes a flighting152enclosed in a tubular housing154. Accordingly, the first auger section102is configured to move material upwardly out of the apparatus200. As discussed above, the first auger section102is connected to the apparatus200at its proximal end112. The first auger section102is connected to the joint106at its distal end114. Also attached to the joint106is the second auger section104. The second auger section104includes a proximal end116connected to the joint106, and a distal end118. Similar to the first auger section102, the second auger section includes a fighting156and tubular housing158. Accordingly, the second auger section104is also adapted to move material. As shown inFIG. 3, the second auger section104, is preferably assembled from three portions of flighting156and tubular housing158. Furthermore, the second auger section104includes a hydraulic motor182and corresponding drive block184to drive the flighting156of the second auger section104. Referring toFIG. 4, at the distal end118is an auger assembly output120. The auger assembly output120is adapted to dispense grain into a second device, such as a transport apparatus122. The transport apparatus122could be, but is not limited to, a grain wagon or the trailer of a semi-truck adapted to transport grain. Generally the auger assembly output120is angled downward to form a spout to direct the flow of material into the transport apparatus122. Further shown inFIG. 3are bearings178and support plates180where the portions of auger flighting meet.

Referring again toFIG. 4, a perspective view of the assembly100and apparatus200of the present invention is shown. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the assembly100is attached to an apparatus200that is a surge bin202. The surge bin202generally includes a frame204, wheels206, and a hitch208configured to be attached to a tractor. The surge bin202further includes a container210for holding material, generally a harvested product. The surge bin202is transportable from location to location. It should be appreciated that the assembly100need not be attached to a surge bin202and further need not be attached to a transportable device. For example, the assembly100may be adapted for use with a grain cart or grain bin. The assembly100and apparatus200are connected at the auger assembly intake108. The auger assembly intake108is generally tubular in shape and facilitates the movement of product from the surge bin202to the first auger section102. The auger assembly intake108is connected to a complimentary shaped opening in the container210by any attachment means known in the art, such as nuts and bolts. The auger assembly intake108receives material from a material handling apparatus auger214.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, material travels from the container210to the first auger section102via the material handling apparatus auger214located at the bottom of the container210.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of a material handling apparatus of the present invention showing the material handling apparatus auger214and material handling apparatus auger doors216.FIG. 6is a larger view of a material handling apparatus auger door216of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the material handling apparatus auger214spans the length of the material handling apparatus200and is located beneath nine material handling apparatus auger doors216that can be activated to open and close as necessary to control the flow of material from the container210to the auger assembly100. When the doors are open, material may drop from the container210to the material handling apparatus auger214, which includes a fighting that is not enclosed by a tube. Accordingly, the material handling apparatus auger grabs the material and pushes it forward to the auger assembly100. When determining the position of the material handling apparatus200in a field, the ground should be fairly level, but need not be completely level. The weight of the apparatus200will cause it to sink into the ground slightly, allowing the apparatus200to level itself.

Turning toFIG. 4, the first auger section102pivots about an axis124that extends longitudinally through the center of the auger assembly intake108. Axis124is fixed in relation to the container210and lower auger section102. The range of movement about axis124may be any value. However, when determining the range of movement of the auger assembly100, it should be remembered that the entire auger assembly100must be able to safely clear all parts of the material handling apparatus200and any transport apparatuses122into which the auger assembly100will unload. This motion is further depicted inFIG. 7. It should be appreciated that any range of motion may be used as the application so requires. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the movement of the first auger section102is carried out by a pair of hydraulic cylinders126,128. One of skill in the art will recognize that any means may be used to facilitate movement of the first auger section102whether known now or in the future.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, in the preferred embodiment, the first auger section102is connected to the material handling apparatus200by means of a first turret joint160. The turret joint includes a small diameter cylinder162located within a large diameter cylinder164, which is just large enough to fit over the small diameter cylinder162and allow rotation. The large diameter cylinder164is connected to the first auger section102. As the hydraulic cylinders126,128cause the first auger section102to pivot, the large diameter cylinder164rotates with the lower auger section102. The small diameter cylinder162of the auger assembly intake108remains stationary. Material, such as grain in the illustrated embodiment, moves freely through the small diameter cylinder162into the first auger section102. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the configuration of the first turret joint160, particularly the placement and attachment of the small diameter cylinder162and large diameter cylinder164may be reversed. Moreover, the length of the small diameter cylinder162within the large diameter cylinder164may vary as the application so requires.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, a joint106connects the first auger section102and second auger section104. The joint106is shown in further detail inFIGS. 8 and 9. As can be seen inFIG. 9, the cross-sectional shape of the joint106is a quadrilateral. The joint106is connected to the first auger section102at its bottom148and to the second auger section104on a side150. As shown inFIG. 3, the joint106connects with the first auger section102via a circular opening that is complimentary to the tubular housing of the first auger section102. The joint106connects to the second auger section104via a circular opening138in the side of the second auger section104near the proximal end116of the second auger section104. The joint106includes an internal transition area146where the material flows from the first auger section102to the second auger section104. In the preferred embodiment, the transition area146does not include a flighting, rather the action of the first auger section102forces material through the transition area146by continuing to push material through the assembly100.

Referring toFIG. 4, the joint106rotates, about an axis134that extends through the center of the length of the first auger section102. As one skilled in the art will recognize, as the first auger section102is moved about axis124, axis134also pivots about axis124, thus contributing to the three-directional movement of the auger assembly output120. Accordingly, the axis134about which the joint106rotates is not necessarily fixed in space. This movement is further depicted inFIG. 10. The range of motion about axis134may be any value, but will often be limited to avoid hitting other components of the apparatus200or other equipment used in proximity to the apparatus200, such as a transport apparatus122. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that any range of motion may be used as the application so requires.

In the preferred embodiment, the movement of the joint106is carried out by a single hydraulic cylinder131, which is connected to a brace132. The brace132supports the weight of the second auger section104. It should be appreciated that any means may be used to facilitate movement of the joint106whether known now or in the future. Referring toFIG. 3, a second turret joint166provides for the rotational movement of the joint106about axis134. The turret joint includes a small diameter cylinder168and a large diameter cylinder170. The large diameter cylinder170spins around the small diameter cylinder168when activated by the hydraulic cylinder131. The second auger section104is attached to the large diameter, outer cylinder of the joint106. Accordingly, as the joint106rotates, the second auger section104rotates with the joint106. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the configuration of the second turret joint166, particularly the placement and attachment of the small diameter cylinder168and large diameter cylinder170may be reversed. Moreover, the length of the small diameter cylinder168within the large diameter cylinder170may vary as the application so requires.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the second auger section104further includes the auger assembly output120. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the second auger section104is preferably made of three auger portions that have been connected to form one continuous second auger section104. The second auger section104pivots about an axis136that extends through the center of the circular opening138through which material travels from the joint106to the second auger section104. As the first section pivots about axis124and the joint rotates about axis134, axis136will move as well, thus creating the three directional movement of the auger assembly100. Accordingly, axis136is not necessarily fixed in space. The movement is further depicted inFIG. 11. The range of motion about axis136may be any value, although in most embodiments, the range of motion need not be greater than 90 degrees. One of skill in the art will recognize that the range of motion will depend on the application.

Referring toFIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the movement of the second auger section104is facilitated by a hydraulic cylinder140, which is connected to the brace132. One of skill in the art will recognize that any means may be used to effect movement of the second auger section104about axis136. Further, in the preferred embodiment the second auger section104is connected to the joint106though a third turret joint172. The third turret joint172also includes a small diameter cylinder174within a large diameter cylinder176. The large diameter cylinder176is connected to the second auger section104and rotates around the small diameter cylinder174. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the configuration of the third turret joint172, particularly the placement and attachment of the small diameter cylinder174and large diameter cylinder176may be reversed. Moreover, the length of the small diameter cylinder174within the large diameter cylinder176may vary as the application so requires. As shown inFIG. 2, the second auger section104may be folded into a storage position. Referring toFIG. 3, hydraulic cylinder130rotates the joint106and second auger section104into the storage position.

Referring toFIGS. 7,10, and11, the pivotal movements of the various components of the auger assembly100are shown. For ease of discussion, directional references in the following discussion ofFIGS. 7,10, and11will be from the perspective of viewing the front of the assembly100and apparatus200, with the front wall201being the wall closest to the tractor pulling the material handling apparatus200to which the assembly is attachedFIG. 7shows the assembly100in a first position in solid lines and a second position in broken lines. This movement about axis124facilitates right-to-left (or in-and-out) movement of the auger assembly and particularly the auger assembly output120and up-and-down movement, as well as a combination of same.FIG. 10shows the front-to-back movement of the second auger section104, and particularly the auger output assembly120and represents the position of the assembly100as it rotates about axis134. A first assembly100position is shown in solid lines, while a second assembly100position is shown in broken lines.FIG. 11shows the up-and-down movement of the second auger section104and auger assembly output120as it pivots about axis136. As the assembly100is able to move about three axes124,134,136, the auger assembly100, including the auger assembly output120, is capable of three directional movement. Further, the assembly100is capable of rotating about two and three axes simultaneously, providing for seamless movement of the auger assembly output120from one point in space to the next.

A significant advantage of moving the assembly100from one location to the next is the ability to fill a transport apparatus122without moving the transport apparatus122or the apparatus200during the loading process. Rather, the operator may manipulate the location of the assembly100, and particularly the auger assembly output120, to evenly dispense product throughout the entire area of the transport apparatus122. As one skilled in the art will recognize, transport apparatuses122may include, but are not limited to, semi-trucks and grain wagons. As discussed above, one embodiment of an apparatus200of the present invention is a surge bin202. Although a surge bin202of the present invention may be used in any manner by any party to store material, it is anticipated that the surge bin202will most often be temporarily located in a field that is being harvested. Grain carts that receive product from a combine harvesting in the field unload into the surge bin202located in the field. The surge bin acts as a temporary storage location for the harvested material. Accordingly, the grain carts need not wait until a semi-truck or grain wagon is available to transport the product to a location off-site, such as an elevator or grain bin. Once a transport apparatus122is available, the surge bin unloads product into the apparatus122. Moreover, as discussed above, traditionally the task of unloading product into a transport apparatus122has required two operators, one to operate the auger and another to move the transport apparatus122. However, the assembly100of the present invention only requires one operator. Because the auger assembly output120is capable of three-dimensional movement, the transport apparatus122may remain stationary during the unloading process. Accordingly, the operator of the transport apparatus122may park the apparatus122and disembark to operate the assembly100.

The movement of the assembly100during the process of unloading material, specifically grain123, from a surge bin202of the present invention into the trailer212of a semi-truck is shown inFIGS. 12-14. InFIG. 12, the auger assembly output120is located above the front of the trailer. By manipulating the auger100, which will be discussed in further detail below, the operator can move the auger assembly output120to any position within reach above the trailer212. For example, inFIG. 13, the auger assembly output120is located above the center of the trailer212. To accomplish this movement, the joint106must rotate about axis134to the right (when viewingFIGS. 12-14). Due to the circular rotational pattern, this movement alone may cause the auger assembly output122to move to a position which is no longer above the trailer to be filled. Accordingly, the first auger section102pivots about the axis124to move the auger assembly100in-and-out as required. In the illustrated example, the first auger section102pivots left about axis124to move the auger assembly100in. Further, in this particular example, the movement about axis124will have the consequence of raising the auger assembly output120. Due to the circular path of the assembly, movement of the assembly100about axis124can both raise and lower the auger assembly output120depending on the starting and ending position of the assembly100. To counteract the upward movement of the auger assembly output120, the second auger section104pivots downwardly about axis136. Through the three-directional movement of the auger assembly100, it is possible to maintain output of material along a straight path from the front to rear of the trailer. This results in even filling of the trailer from the front to the back more efficiently than the circular path of prior art augers. Moreover, the three-directional movement of the auger assembly100of the present invention allows the user to fill the entire trailer without moving either the semi-truck or the material handling apparatus200to which the assembly100is attached.

A similar sequence of movement is used to move the auger assembly output120from its position inFIG. 13to its position inFIG. 14.FIG. 14illustrates the auger assembly output120above the rear of the trailer212. To effect this movement, the joint106again rotates to the left about axis134. The circular movement of the second auger section106will cause the auger assembly output120to move inwardly. In a simultaneous action, the first auger section102pivots to the right about axis124to counteract the inward motion. Because the movement of the assembly100about axis124alone would cause the auger assembly output120to drop, the second auger section104will pivot upward about axis136to maintain the auger assembly output at a height above the trailer and prevent the assembly100from coming into contact with the trailer212. The simultaneous combination of these movements causes the auger assembly output120to dispense grain in the same horizontal plane as the assembly100moves from the position shown inFIG. 13to the position shown inFIG. 14.

As referenced above and shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, in the preferred embodiment, the various movements of the assembly100are carried out by a hydraulic system. Preferably, the hydraulic system is powered by a single hydraulic control block located on the apparatus200. In the preferred embodiment, the auger assembly100includes dual controls. The hydraulic control block includes valve banks with levers that control the auger assembly and a joystick is electronically attached to the auger assembly100, which will be discussed in further detail below. The flighting of the three individual augers—the first auger section102, the second auger section104, and the material handling apparatus auger214—are each powered by one of three dedicated motors. In other embodiments of the present invention, the power for any of the movements of the auger assembly100or other parts of the apparatus200may come from either the material handling apparatus200or the tractor pulling the apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 15, the auger assembly100of the present invention may be controlled by an electronic or electric controller142. The electronic controller142may be connected to the auger assembly100by any method known in the art now or in the future, including but not limited to, a wired connection and a wireless connection. In the preferred embodiment, the electronic controller142includes a screen and buttons for inputting information and running programs. In addition, the auger assembly100may be manually controlled by any method known in the art now or in the future. In the preferred embodiment, the auger assembly100is manually operated by a joystick144. It is preferred that the electronic controller142regulates the rate of movement of the material through the auger assembly100, while the joystick144controls the position of the auger100. The joystick144and electronic controller142are also connected, such as via a hardwire, so that the controller142may send information to the joystick144regarding the automatic start and/or shut-down sequences, which will be discussed in further detail below.

The preferred electronic controller142is capable of receiving and storing information regarding the weight of material located in the apparatus200and the weight of material that the transport apparatus122may hold. Information regarding the weight of material located in the apparatus200may be manually entered in the electronic controller142. Preferably, however, apparatus200includes at least one scale205to measure the weight of material in same, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 15. The scale205continually transmits information to the apparatus200, such as by a hardwired or wireless connection. It should be appreciated that the scale205can be connected to the electronic controller142by any means known in the art, now or in the future. Information about the weight of material that the transport apparatus122may hold is generally manually inputted into the electronic controller142. However, the information may be inputted or transmitted to the electronic controller142by any method known in the art, now or in the future.

By way of example, an apparatus200of the present invention may be located in a field that is being harvested. Grain carts that travel alongside combines will unload material into a surge bin202of the present invention. When available, a transport apparatus122, such as a grain cart or semi-truck, will park beside the apparatus200, within range of the auger assembly100, to be filled with harvested material. An operator, such as the driver of the transport apparatus will use the joystick144to position the auger assembly100above the container of the transport apparatus122. The operator will then use the electronic controller to the fill the transport apparatus122. In some cases the operator will be required to enter information about the transport apparatus122, such as an identification name and maximum weight. In other cases, such as if the transport apparatus122has been used with the electronic controller142previously, the information will already be stored in the controller142, and the operator will simply need to select the transport apparatus122from the list stored in the controller142.

Once the operator instructs the controller142to begin the unloading process, the controller142automatically controls same, while the operator uses the joystick144to control the movement of the auger assembly100.FIG. 16illustrates an embodiment of a controller program adapted to fill a transport apparatus122from material located in a surge bin202, specifically a main information screen217. The program includes information related to the capacity of a transport apparatus122, designated as “Yellow Truck” in the figure, as well as a bar graph220showing the weight of material that has been transferred to the transport apparatus122. The program further provides information regarding the weight of material in the surge bin202, by way of another bar graph222. The program receives signals from one or more scales located on the surge bin202of the present invention to measure the weight of same. The weight of material in the transport apparatus122is calculated by the program based on the flow rate of material to the apparatus122. The illustrated program further includes a bar graph218and related information regarding the capacity of a grain cart and the actual weight of material in same. The electronic controller142controls the auger doors216to allow grain to drop down to the material handling apparatus auger214. In the preferred embodiment, the speed of the flighting of all auger sections is constant and controlled by the electronic controller142.

Once the transport apparatus122is nearly full, the electronic controller142will automatically initiate shut-down of the auger. In the preferred embodiment, when there is 1120 pounds of material left to be unloaded, the controller142initiates the shut-down sequence. This value may be changed by the user, but is automatically changed to correct scale readings as described in further detail below. Of course, the controller may be programmed to initiate shut-down when any amount of material remains to be moved to the transport apparatus122. This shut-down signal is also transmitted to the joystick144. Preferably the controller142and joystick144are hardwired to each other. However, the two components may be connected via any means known in the art, either now or in the future. In the preferred embodiment, the transport apparatus122will be filled within 65 pounds of its capacity during the automatic filling process; however, this value will fluctuate due to factors including but not limited to, the variety, moisture content, and type of grain. It should be appreciated that the transport apparatus122could be filled within any value of its capacity without departing from the scope of the present invention. The self-correcting feature of the assembly100and electronic controller142, which will be discussed in further detail below, will keep this value as close to zero as possible. In addition to transport apparatuses122with a single container for filling, the electronic controller142may be programmed to fill transport apparatuses122with multiple containers, such as double tank trucks, including those wherein the tanks are different capacities.

The electronic controller142may optionally be programmed to self-correct by any percentage based on the accuracy of each load into a particular transport apparatus122. For example, if a semi-trailer may hold 10,000 pounds of material and the user programs the electronic controller142to self-correct by 50%, the first time the apparatus200unloads into the trailer, it will be programmed to fill the trailer with an amount of material that is less than 10,000 pounds, for example 9000 pounds. If the capacity of the specific trailer is not changed following the first loading, the controller142will then correct itself by 50%. Accordingly, in the second filling of the particular trailer, the electronic controller will fill the transport apparatus122with 9500 pounds of material. If the capacity is not changed, the transport apparatus122will be filled with 9750 pounds of material during the third filling, and so on. As one of skill in the art will recognize, the controller142may be programmed to load the transport apparatus122to any percent full as the application may require. It should be appreciated that the self-correct feature may be used to both increase and decrease the amount of grain moved to a transport apparatus122. This feature may be used to both prevent both over-filling and under-filling of a transport apparatus122and, accordingly, leads to increased accuracy during filling.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.