Method and apparatus for determining fraction of hay at different moisture levels

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for determining the fraction of hay at various moisture levels during an agricultural baling process. A moisture sensor array is provided on an agricultural baler to sense the moisture content of incoming crop material as the baling process progresses. The moisture sensor array is connected to an ECU that is programmed to determine the ratios of incoming crop material that are at or above particular moisture content levels. An indication is given to the operator by way of an operator output device regarding the moisture content ratio.

主权项

1. An improved agricultural baler having an ECU and a crop moisture sensor, the improvement comprising:
a pickup which feeds crop material into a crop inlet of the baler; the crop moisture sensor being a moisture sensor array arranged for sensing a varying moisture content of crop material entering the baler across substantially an entire width of the crop inlet, the crop moisture sensor positioned behind the pickup; the moisture sensor array communicating the varying moisture content to the ECU, the ECU being programmed to calculate a moisture content ratio from the varying moisture content, wherein the moisture content ratio represents a percentage of crop material entering the baler that is at or above a particular moisture content; and, an indicator in communication with the ECU whereby an operator is provided with information concerning the moisture content ratio.