Abstract: A grain loss sensing system for a combine harvester. The grain loss sensing system employs at least one emitter and receiver on the combine harvester and uses what is received by the receiver to calculate grain loss. The system can be configured to use, for example, microwave, ultraviolet, x-ray and/or photographic technology. The results are used to differentiate between grain and MOG. The results are relayed to the operator so that the operator can make adjustments and/or the combine harvester host controller receives this information and responds by making adjustments automatically.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. One system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. Another system provides that a one or more magnet holders are mounted on louvers and, spaced away, sensors sense magnets in the magnet holders to determine the rotational position of the louvers. Either system allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing systems are configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the CAN bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. One system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. Another system provides that a one or more magnet holders are mounted on louvers and, spaced away, sensors sense magnets in the magnet holders to determine the rotational position of the louvers. Either system allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing systems are configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the CAN bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. The system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. More than one sensor can be utilized where multiple sensors are connected to multiple louvers of the sieve. The directly coupled sensing of the rotational position of the louver(s) allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing system is configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: An improved drive shaft interface which yields increased strength, lower cost, and lighter weight. Preferably, the improved drive shaft interface is in the form of a corniform geometry which provides for stress translation to hoop stress vs. pure bending stress, thereby increasing the overall resistance to failure. This geometry also allows for a hollow construction, thereby providing for reduced weight compared to the prior art construction. Additionally, manufacturing processes can be employed—such as metal spinning, metal forming, friction welding, casting and post machining, etc.—which can yield a lower cost component.