Moisture Patents (Class 460/7)
  • Patent number: 5327708
    Abstract: The crop testing and evaluation system includes a plurality of measuring and testing devices that measure the weight, moisture content, and test weight of a crop. Other measuring devices that test the crop for characteristics such as protein content, sugar content, oil content and color may also be included. Mounting accessories are included in the system for attaching the measuring devices to the crop gathering compartment of a harvesting vehicle. As the crop is harvested and fed to the compartment, periodic readings of the measuring devices are taken by a microprocessor and supplied to a computer for analysis and evaluation. Preferably, the microprocessor and computer are positioned in the cab of the harvesting vehicle within reach of the harvest operator. The present invention also provides an efficient method of evaluating research products, such as plant hybrids and varieties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Steven R. Gerrish
  • Patent number: 5173079
    Abstract: The crop testing and evaluation system includes a plurality of measuring and testing devices that measure the weight, moisture content, and test weight of a crop. Other measuring devices that test the crop for characteristics such as protein content, sugar content, oil content and color may also be included. Mounting accessories are included in the system for attaching the measuring devices to the crop gathering compartment of a harvesting vehicle. As the crop is harvested and fed to the compartment, periodic readings of the measuring devices are taken by a microprocessor and supplied to a computer for analysis and evaluation. Preferably, the microprocessor and computer are positioned in the cab of the harvesting vehicle within reach of the harvest operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Steven R. Gerrish
  • Patent number: 5106339
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring the moisture of grain as it is being harvested by a combine. The moisture of the grain is continuously measured as the grain is traveling through a clean grain auger of the combine. These moisture measurements are displayed to the combine operator in the cab of the combine. A multiprocessor is provided to sample and store the moisture measurements. The multiprocessor also averages the stored measurements so that the operator can obtain the average moisture content of grain harvested from operator-defined areas of a field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: David Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith Braun, Larry Stille
  • Patent number: 5092819
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the moisture content of grain to be harvested comprising the steps of reaping grain from grain bearing plants, threshing grain from the grain bearing plant, collecting the threshed grain in a hopper, and sensing the moisture content of the threshed grain prior to collection of the grain in the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Michael J. Schroeder, Charles C. Shivvers, Steven D. Shivvers, Carl C. Shivvers, Ronald L. McCaslen, Robert D. Engle