Abstract: An automated management tool is provided for crop management including the application of all primary agricultural production inputs, including fertilizers, nutrients and other agricultural chemicals, as well as for retrieval and analysis of data pertaining to the site/farm.

Abstract: An automated management tool is provided for crop management including the application of all primary agricultural production inputs, including fertilizers, nutrients and other agricultural chemicals, as well as for retrieval and analysis of data pertaining to the site/farm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of blending of the constituents of a mixture being churned in a blender involves placement of a dielectric properties sensor in a wall of the blender. In that such sensors respond to moisture content, density and temperature of the ingredients, when the sensor output reaches a steady-state, it is indicative of arrival of a homogenous mix.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring particulates may include one or more of the following steps: (a) receiving the particulates in a particulate flow restrictor, (b) collecting a particulate sample in a body section of the flow restrictor, (c) sensing moisture content of the particulate with a flush mounted capacitive sensor, (d) allowing the particulate to empty out of the flow restrictor through a narrowed opening in a discharge section of the flow restrictor, (e) concentrating the particulate sample at a sensor surface, (f) shielding the sensor from stray electric fields, and (g) inputting the particulate at the funnel opening of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring particulates may include one or more of the following steps: (a) receiving the particulates in a particulate flow channel mounted within a chute or conduit, (b) collecting a particulate sample in a body section of the flow channel, (c) sensing moisture content of the particulate with a flush mounted capacitive sensor, (d) allowing the particulate to empty out of the flow channel through an opening in a discharge section of the flow channel, (e) concentrating the particulate sample at a sensor surface, and (f) shielding the sensor from stray electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A device (10) for use in monitoring or measuring properties of a moving bed (11) of particulate material includes a sled (12) that rides or floats on the top surface (15) of the moving bed (11). A mounting structure (14) holds the sled (12) stationary with respect to the linear movement of the particulate bed (11), but permits movement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the bed (11), such as up and down when the bed (11) is moving horizontally. The sled (12) can carry on board sensors (76) to monitor the particulate material properties. Other sensors (72, 54) can be located remote from the sled (12) such as a sensor (54) to indicate displacement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the moving bed (11). In one embodiment, the device includes a flume-like collector that directs particulate material through a sampling cell comprised of parallel side walls (47, 48) with the sensor sled (12) located between the sidewalls.

Abstract: An on-line sensor mount assembly for monitoring one or more physical properties of a particulate material that is free flowing in the ductwork of a processing installation. The sensor mount assembly includes a vertical housing with an upwardly open inlet opening and a uniform vertical sensing passage/chamber. An outlet opening is located at the lower end of the housing. A flow metering apparatus is installed at the lower end of the housing and includes a flow metering element positioned in blocking relationship between the sensing chamber and the outlet opening. Continuous operation of the flow metering element transports material from the sensing chamber through the outlet opening at a regulated rate. This assures that the sensing chamber is full and that there is a uniform flow of material past one or more sensor elements installed on the housing and positioned to monitor the particulate material passing through the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A shielded flat-plate proximity/dielectric properties sensor includes a dielectric substrate leaving a planar configuration and a pair of spaced sensing electrodes mounted on one surface of the substrate. A pair of shield electrodes limit the electric field produced by the sensing electrodes. A first shield electrode on the back of the substrate intercepts field lines behind the sensor to prevent detection of objects from behind the sensor. A second shield electrode co-planar with and between the sensing electrodes intercepts field lines very close to the sensor to prevent the dense electric field near the sensor from dominating measurements of objects within the field.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor housing or mounting apparatus for positioning in a free flowing stream of particulate matter in order to accomplish on-line measurement of a physical property of the material such as moisture content. The housing has an inlet nozzle, a mid-section or sensing chamber, and a discharge section. The inlet nozzle has flow deflector plates that intercept a sample of material from the process stream from a single plane and channel it to the sensing chamber. A sensor is embedded in the walls of the sensing chamber and positioned to sense the material property of the passing sample. A discharge nozzle extends from the sensing chamber and has a constricted discharge opening in order to regulate flow through the sensing chamber. The discharge nozzle has a pair of downwardly convergent deflector plates such that the flow of particulate matter is restricted in a single vertical plane that is perpendicular to the vertical plane referenced by the inlet section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing grain by raising the moisture content of the grain relative to a target level. As the grain is moved through a processing area, the moisture content and the mass flow of the grain are measured. Each measurement is converted to an electronic signal and the signals are fed to a programmable controller which blends the two signals and produces a single output control signal that is fed to a proportional control valve. The control valve acts responsive to the control signal to adjust the amount of moisture added to the grain at a wetting station. An additive such as a surfactant can be metered into the water supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically increasing the moisture content of seed grain up to a target moisture content preparatory to planting in order to promote early germination of the seed grain. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding untreated seed grain, a grain conveying means for transfer of the grain from the hopper past a moisture sensing station, a seed grain wetting station, a mixing area, and a discharge chute for discharge of treated seed grain. The moisturizing medium can be water alone or water mixed with other suitable ingredients such as nutrients or a surfactant. At the moisture sensing station, the moisture of the untreated seed grain is continuously monitored. A calibrated moisture sensor generates an electronic signal proportionate to the moisture content of the seed grain. This signal is used to control the application rate of the wetting mixture.

Abstract: A method of increasing the moisture content of seed grain and of feed grain to raise the moisture content to an approximate target moisture content prepatory to planting in the case of seed grain and in order to increase the patentability to the animal in the case of feed grain. According to the method, as grain is moved from a first location toward a second location, the moisture of the grain is continuously measured with a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor generates a control signal which is used to regulate the rate of addition of moisture to the grain at a location downstream of the moisture sensor. The moisture content of the grain measured by the moisture sensor is compared to a target moisture content level and control adjustments are made accordingly in order to regulate the rate of application or moisture to the passing grain.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the moisture content of feed grains to a relatively constant target level. As the grain is transported into, or within the feed manufacturing process, a sample is diverted through a continuous flow moisture sensor. The sensor generates an electronic signal proportional to the moisture content of the grain. This signal is used to control the application rate of a surfactant--water mixture, or of water alone. The water may be either in the form of steam or, as a hot or cold liquid. The grain then enters a mixing or contact chamber, into which the water is metered at a rate that is proportional to the moisture content of the incoming grain. The treated grain will have a relatively constant moisture content, eliminating one of the largest variables in the manfuacturing of livestock feeds.