Grain-bin monitoring system

摘要

A grain-bin monitoring system for monitoring relative humidity and temperature is described. The system includes a cable assembly with a support cable and two pairs of communication wires suspended in a grain bin. A plurality of sensor assemblies is coupled along the cable. The sensor assemblies include a housing that protects a sensor device and enables exposure to air within the bin. The sensor device is in electrical communication with a control unit through fasteners for the housing piercing the cable assembly and contacting the communication wires. Electrically conductive, elastomeric pads are disposed between electrical contacts on the sensor device and the fasteners to eliminate galvanic corrosion therebetween. The cable assembly and sensor assemblies are configured to minimize drag forces applied by grain particulate flowing along the cable assemblies. And the sensor assemblies and/or the sensor devices therein are easily replaceable on the cable assembly while in service.

主权项

1. A grain-bin monitoring system comprising:
a cable including a support member, a first conductor, and a second conductor, the support member and the first and second conductors extending along a longitudinal axis of the cable and being encased in a casing that maintains relative cross-sectional positions of the support member and the first and second conductors along the cable; and a sensor assembly removably securable to the cable and comprising a sensor housing, the sensor housing comprising a base, an intermediate portion, and a cover, the base being configured to be coupled to the intermediate portion by first and second fasteners to interpose the cable therebetween to allow the first and second conductors to pass continuously through the sensor assembly, the first fastener extensible into the casing to contact the first conductor, the second fastener extensible into the casing to contact the second conductor, the cover being configured to be coupled to the intermediate portion to interpose a sensor device therebetween, the sensor device including first and second electrical contacts configured to be in electrical communication with the first and second fasteners, respectively, when the cover is coupled to the intermediate portion.