Abstract: A gate control system that provides repeatable and reliable gate position sensing in a fully open position, a fully closed position, or both. In various embodiments, proximity sensors are maintained in biased contact (continuously or intermittently) with the gate panel throughout the travel range of the gate panel. The system may also include anti-fouling or “self-cleaning” of the proximity sensor(s), whereby the proximity sensors are cleared of materials that would otherwise interfere with the repeatability of the position sensing.

Abstract: A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding gate panel. Two proximity sensors are arranged to provide full sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor outputs a serial pulse train signal for detecting movement of the gate panel. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with gear teeth inherent to the drive mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion mechanism), or with a passive device such as a free sprocket on the motor shaft to sense the passage of each sprocket teeth, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions. In one embodiment, the controller tracks the direction of the gate as pulses are receive, allowing the subsequent positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding gate panel. Two proximity sensors are arranged to provide full sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor outputs a serial pulse train signal for detecting movement of the gate panel. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with gear teeth inherent to the drive mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion mechanism), or with a passive device such as a free sprocket on the motor shaft to sense the passage of each sprocket teeth, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions. In one embodiment, the controller tracks the direction of the gate as pulses are receive, allowing the subsequent positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.