Automatic start/stop controls for agricultural load and transfer equipment
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 method of automatically recording a weight of material unloaded from a storage carrier comprising:
monitoring the weight of a storage carrier;
automatically recording a total weight unloaded from the storage carrier in response to:
1) determining that the weight of the storage carrier starts changing; and
2) determining that the weight of the storage carrier stops changing.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
recording a date of unloading from the storage carrier in response to the:
1) determining that the weight of the storage carrier starts changing; and
2) determining that the weight of the storage carrier stops changing.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
recording a time of unloading from the storage carrier in response to the:
1) determining that the weight of the storage carrier starts changing; and
2) determining that the weight of the storage carrier stops changing.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
recording a location of unloading from the storage carrier in response to the:
1) determining that the weight of the storage carrier starts changing; and
2) determining that the weight of the storage carrier stops changing.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the monitoring comprises continuously monitoring the weight of the storage carrier for weight changes.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the weight is monitored by a scale controller in communication with a load cell.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the load cell is located remote from the scale controller.
8. A method for recording a total weight of material unloaded from an agricultural machine comprising:
monitoring a changing weight of a load of an agricultural machine;
determining that the weight of the load has stopped changing; and
automatically recording a total weight unloaded in response to the determining.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
determining that the weight of the load has started changing.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
recording a date of unloading in response to the determining.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
recording a time of unloading in response to the determining.
12. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
recording a location of unloading in response to the determining.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the weight is monitored by a scale controller in communication with a load cell.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the load cell is located remote from the scale controller.
15. An apparatus comprising:
a control panel; and
a scale controller configured to monitor a changing weight sensed by a load cell and automatically record a total weight unloaded from an agricultural machine in response to determining that the weight stops changing.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a date of unloading is recorded in response to determining that the weight stops changing.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a time of unloading is recorded in response to determining that the weight stops changing.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a location of unloading is recorded in response to determining that the weight stops changing.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the load cell is in communication with the scale controller.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the load cell is located remote from the scale controller.