Automatic start / stop controls for agricultural load and transfer equipment

Abstract

A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.

1 . A system for automatically recording the amount of material moved comprising:
 a storage carrier configured to store material and having a discharge opening;   a conveying device having an input end and a discharge end, the input end of the conveying device being positioned to receive material discharged from the discharge opening of the storage carrier;   a scale configured to measure the weight of the material present in the storage carrier;   a scale controller electrically coupled to the scale, adapted to sense any change in weight of the material in the storage carrier;   the scale controller further adapted to automatically determine when a loading or unloading process starts or stops by entering a start mode when the weight of the material in the storage carrier begins to change and by entering a stop mode when the weight of the material in the storage container stops changing; and   an input device configured to allow an operator to enter at least one parameter.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the conveying device is an auger. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the conveying device is a belt conveyor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the conveying device is driven by a Power Take-Off shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a sensor, the sensor configured to continuously monitor the speed of the Power Take-Off shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein upon the Power Take-Off shaft achieving a first pre-determined speed, the scale controller enters a start mode, the start mode configured to store the weight present on the scale. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein upon the power take off shaft decreasing in speed below a second pre-determined speed, the scale controller enters a stop mode, the stop mode configured to determine the weight loaded or unloaded by measuring the weight present on the scale and subtracting the weight present on the scale from the weight recorded when the scale controller entered the start mode. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the discharge opening includes a door, the door configured to separate the material in the storage carrier from the conveying device and including an actuation mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the door is mechanically actuated. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the door is hydraulically actuated. 
     
     
         11 . A method for automatically recording the amount of material discharged from a storage carrier comprising the steps of:
 a. storing material in the storage carrier, the storage carrier including a scale and a closeable discharge opening;   b. measuring the weight of the material in the storage carrier;   c. starting a conveying device, the conveying device having an input end and a discharge end, the input end positioned at the discharge opening of the storage carrier;   d. pre-setting the rate at which the conveying device may be loaded with material without stalling;   e. continuously monitoring the speed of the conveying device;   f. opening the discharge opening of the storage carrier when the conveying device is at or above the pre-set speed;   g. receiving the material discharged from the storage carrier at the input end of the conveying device;   h. conveying the material via the conveying device and discharging the material from the discharge end of the conveying device;   i. closing the discharge opening when a predetermined amount of material has been discharged from the storage carrier;   j. disabling the conveying device when any remaining material on the conveyor has been discharged; and   k. recording the amount of material unloaded when the unloading sequence is complete.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: displaying the current weight of any material present in the storage carrier on a scale display.