초록 ▼

An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material.

An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material. The control system provides a number of user interface options for controlling the dispensing of the inoculant product, as well as capturing data relating to the operation of the baling machine and the application of the inoculant product.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A system for applying inoculants to forage material comprising:an inoculant container for storing and dispensing an amount of inoculants, and an auger disposed in the container for controllably dispensing the inoculants;a conveying line for conveying the inoculants from the co

What is claimed is: 1. A system for applying inoculants to forage material comprising:an inoculant container for storing and dispensing an amount of inoculants, and an auger disposed in the container for controllably dispensing the inoculants;a conveying line for conveying the inoculants from the container to a pre-designated location;a forage material transport element for transporting the forage material from a field to a processing machine above the ground;a moisture sensor for sensing moisture in the forage material after it is transported into the processing machine, and prior to the forage material being transported to a baling chamber of the processing machine and after the forage material has cleared a pick-up reel of the machine; anda controller for receiving signals from the moisture sensor indicative of the moisture content of the forage material, and said controller transmitting a control signal to vary the speed of the auger in order to dispense a pre-determined amount of inoculants in response to the sensed moisture content, said moisture sensor including at least one of a contact type moisture sensor that is placed in direct contact with the forage material as it is transported into the machine, and a non-contact sensor placed in communication with the moving transported forage material.