Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for measuring grain being channeled through a grain harvesting device. The system includes employing a grain test weight measuring apparatus with a weigh bucket for obtaining a test weight measurement of the grain being harvested. The grain test weight measurement apparatus includes a sample cup for weighing grain therein with various sub-assemblies and/or sub-systems to obtain quick and accurate measurements of the grain in-stream on a dynamic platform.

Abstract: Electronics devices having a housing with ergonomic features that enhance the ability of a user to hold the electronics devices for extended periods of time using different grips. The housing has a middle gripping region that is narrower than a top section and a bottom section positioned to either side of the gripping region. A keypad structure is positioned at the middle gripping section on a front surface of the housing. The back surface of the housing has a depression positioned generally at the midline of the housing. The depression engages the fingertips, the palm, or other portions of the hand when the user holds the electronics device. Rounded corners where the lateral surface of the housing meet the front surface and the back surface contribute to the user's comfort when holding the electronics device.

Abstract: System and methods for measuring the density of harvested crops or other material carried by a conveyor incorporate a linear array of ultrasonic distance sensors oriented at an acute angle to detect the height of harvested crops carried on the conveyor. The height measurements are used to calculate instantaneous cross-sectional areas of the harvested crops. The weight of the crops is measured by a load cell as the crops are carried on the conveyor. The density of the crops is finally calculated, using a processing means, based on the cross-sectional area measurement, the speed of the conveyor, and the measured weight of the crops.

Abstract: A weighing material on a moving platform by compensating for acceleration of the material and a variable slope of the platform. The system includes at least one weighing load cell and a reference load cell. The weighing load cell generates an output signal associated with a force applied to the weighing load cell by the material. The reference load cell is coupled with a reference mass, and provides the data from which a compensation multiplier can be calculated. The compensation multiplier is a value that is used to adjust the output of the weighing load cells to compensate for acceleration and variable slope, thereby generating the actual weight of the material. In order to calculate the compensation multiplier, an zero offset value of the reference load cell is determined prior to taking weight measurements of the material. The weighing systems can be used with substantially any moving vehicle that carries a material.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.