Abstract: A system to detect grain loss of a harvester during harvesting operations. The system includes at least two pans magnetically supported on the harvester above a ground surface, by separate electromagnets being electrically isolated from a power source while magnetically supporting the at least two pans. A signal controller generates a release signal when triggered by a user. A signal receiver responsive to the generated release signal electrically connects one of the electromagnets with the power source causing one of the at least two pans to be released to the ground surface while the second electromagnet remains electrically isolated from the power source and magnetically supported on the combine harvester until another release signal is triggered by the user causing the signal receiver to electrically connect the second electromagnet with the power source to release the second pan to the ground surface.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting a sample of crop material discharged by a harvester while harvesting crops. The drop pan is magnetically coupled to a support structure disposed on the harvester by at least one electro-permanent magnet having a default de-energized state and an energized state. In the default de-energized state, the at least one electro-permanent magnet is electrically isolated from an electric power source. In the energized state, the least one electro-permanent magnet is electrically coupled with the electric power source. As the harvester advances through the field harvesting the crop, the drop pan is released from the support structure by switching the electro-permanent magnet from the default de-energized state to the energized state such that the drop pan drops to the ground surface. The open top end of the drop pan on the ground surface captures a sample of the crop material discharged by the advancing harvester.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within the housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling the external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans may be included, and the housing may include alignment guides for self-aligning the drop pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing may be contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within the housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling the external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans may be included, and the housing may include alignment guides for self-aligning the drop pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing may be contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within said housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling said external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans are included, and the housing features alignment guides for self-aligning the selected pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing are contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within said housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling said external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans are included, and the housing features alignment guides for self-aligning the selected pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing are contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.