Throughput control for combines having a variable torque sensing drive

• Main Authors: Coers, Bruce Alan, Teijido, Joseph Albert, Burke, Daniel James, Tsunemori, Travis Shuji, Peterson, John Victor, Cooper, William F, Littke, Jerry Dean, Kis, Janos
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 05.11.2002

1. Field of the Invention An agricultural combine having a supporting structure that is driven by ground engaging wheels at a harvesting speed by a propulsion assembly. The combine is also provided with a threshing assembly that is driven by a variable torque sensing drive. The variable torque sensing drive is manipulated by pressurized hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic sensor in hydraulic communication with the variable torque sensing drive provides an actual hydraulic pressure signal that is directed to an electronic controller. An operator control in the operator's cab of the combine provides a loss rate signal that is also directed to the electronic controller. The electronic controller converts the loss rate signal into a desired hydraulic pressure signal. The electronic controller regulates the forward speed (harvesting speed) of the combine so that the desired hydraulic pressure signal is equal to the actual pressure signal. The harvesting speed regulation can be modified or overridden by moisture signals from a moisture sensor located in the feederhouse for sensing the moisture content of harvested crop.