C2ag, LLC

Harmon Industries, Inc.

Donald B Schaefer, Jr

Robert E Heggestad

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.

Grain-bin monitoring system

A grain drying system includes a master control unit external to the grain storage bin which is preprogrammed with a desirable grain moisture content or EMC. Condition sensor assemblies mounted within the grain bin determine the relative humidity and the temperature of the grain within the grain bin. Also, sensors mounted in the bin's plenum determine temperature, relative humidity and air pressure. A weather station mounted externally of the grain bin determines the outside air temperature and relative humidity. Depending on the conditions determined by the sensor assemblies and the weather station, the master control unit selectively activates the grain bin's drying fan when needed and when it is efficient and effective to do so. A radio or cellular modem allows for communication of the grain's condition. The internal sensor assemblies are preferably secured to flexible cables hung within the grain bin. The cable and rigid rod-like members support the sensors. The sensors may be secured in a spaced relationship along the cable so that the grain condition can be determined throughout the grain bin.

Grain drying system

A train control system employs a series of wayside control units spaced along the track, each of which has responsibility for the control of trains in a corresponding local area and monitors track availability and signal status in its local area. Each wayside unit has a data base in memory that comprises fixed data defining an operational profile of the associated local area, and is provided with a data radio for transmitting profile messages containing the fixed data for that area and authority messages containing the dynamic data bearing track availability and signal status information. A data radio in a receive mode on a train receives the data transmissions from the wayside unit or units responsible for its control, and an on-board computer determines the proper train control instructions from the received data. A central control facility may also be provided for storage of master fixed data files that cover the entire route, relevant portions thereof being downloaded to respective wayside units via dispatcher data lines and updated periodically as necessary.

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Blue Springs, MO, United States of America

Donald B Schaefer, Jr