Self-clearing material sensing apparatus

摘要

A self-clearing material sensing apparatus is provided for sensing a physical parameter of a particulate material flowing through a conduit. The self-clearing material sensing apparatus includes a sensor device and funnel for directing a consistent flow of the particulate material to an area proximate the sensor device. The funnel has a read configuration and a clearance configuration and includes an upper inlet and a lower outlet including a narrowing below the upper inlet when the funnel is in the read configuration. The narrowing is adjustable for increasing the cross-sectional area of the narrowing when the funnel is changed from the read configuration to the clearance configuration. An actuation mechanism is provided for changing the funnel from the read configuration to the clearance configuration, and from the clearance configuration back to the read configuration, to periodically release any material clogged within the funnel. A scalper grate having clearing blades is disposed above the funnel inlet to prevent larger foreign objects from entering the funnel.