Bulk flow measurement system
First Claim
1. A grain flow measuring system for measuring a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path, the grain flow measuring system comprising:
- a frame mounted with respect to the grain flow path;
a load cell mounted to the frame;
a flow conditioning portion attached to the frame, the flow conditioning portion comprising a first baffle located along the grain flow path; and
a flow measuring portion having a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path, wherein grain moving along the grain flow path deflects the second baffle and the third baffle so that the flow measuring portion engages the load cell.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path. The grain flow measuring system includes a frame, a load cell, a flow conditioning portion, and a flow measuring portion. The frame is mounted with respect to the grain flow path. The load cell is mounted to the frame. The flow conditioning portion is attached to the frame. The flow conditioning portion has a first baffle located along the grain flow path. The flow measuring portion has a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path. The second baffle and the third baffle deflect grain moving along the grain flow path and thereby causes the flow measuring portion to engage the load cell.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A grain flow measuring system for measuring a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path, the grain flow measuring system comprising:
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a frame mounted with respect to the grain flow path;
a load cell mounted to the frame;
a flow conditioning portion attached to the frame, the flow conditioning portion comprising a first baffle located along the grain flow path; and
a flow measuring portion having a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path, wherein grain moving along the grain flow path deflects the second baffle and the third baffle so that the flow measuring portion engages the load cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of measuring the flow of grain that is moving along a grain flow path, the method comprising:
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substantially absorbing a portion of the kinetic energy of the flow of grain along the grain flow path with a first baffle positioned along the grain flow path;
restricting the grain flow to a maximum level;
contacting the flow of grain to a baffle array located in series along the grain flow path, the baffle array connecting to a lever arm; and
determining a force associated with the grain contacting the baffle array by measuring the deflection of the lever arm. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification