The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 26, 1978
Filed:
Jan. 06, 1977
Randolph G Fardal, Westmont, IL (US);
Calvin P Rickerd, La Grange Park, IL (US);
International Harvester Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A system is provided for automatically controlling the forward speed of travel of a combine in response to feeder and separator loading and to reduce speed in proportion to grain losses exceeding predetermined limits. A hydrostatic transmission between the combine engine and drive wheels is controlled by a control element actuated by a hydraulic cylinder which is controlled from a control valve actuated by solenoids connected to the output of a comparator circuit. Signals from separator and feed load sensors and also from grain loss monitors are combined and applied to one input of the comparator circuit and a signal from a feedback sensor coupled to the hydraulic cylinder is applied to the second input of the comparator. The load sensors include potentiometers coupled to spring-loaded idler pulleys which are engaged with drive belts for the separator and feeder drive shafts and the feedback sensor is also a potentiometer. Switching means are connected in circuit with the load sensing potentiometers for obtaining optimum levels and sensitivities and the proper proportions of the separator and feeder load signals, according to machine load conditions. A manual control operates in conjunction with the transmission control element to limit maximum forward speed and to permit override of the automatic control.