Method of isolating BALE weights on a weighing platform on square baler

Abstract

A method for determining a weight of a finished bale produced by an agricultural baler (102) configured to take cut plant material from the ground, compress the plant material in a baling chamber (108) with a reciprocating plunger (106), eject the finished bale onto a bale chute (122) having a weigh table (204) with plurality of load cells (206). The method includes monitoring the rearward movement of the bale with a bale movement sensor (124) to obtain bale movement measurements, measuring a raw weight on the load table using the load cells (206), recording the bale movement measurements to obtain a relative position of the bale with respect to a static point on the baler, storing an array of data points that reflect the raw weight on the weigh table (204) and the position of the bale, storing the array of raw bale weight vs position in a memory (408), determining that a bale drop has occurred, determining from the array of data points the measured raw weight at the time of the bale drop, determining an actual bale weight from the raw weight based on if the raw weight is a total single bale weight or from a change in weight on the weigh table, and providing an output of the actual bale weight value of the finished bale.

Description

METHOD OF ISOLATING BALE WEIGHTS ON A WEIGHING PLATFORM ON SQUARE BALERBACKGROUNDField

[0001] This disclosure relates to agricultural harvesting machines such as balers and, more particularly, to a bale weight calculation methodology for a baler.Description of Related Art

[0002] Square balers as they are commonly called are used in the agricultural industry to create substantially rectangular bales of crop material by moving over crop windrows to collect loose crop material, compress it, and form it into bales that are then tied and ejected from the baler. To that end, a baler is typically mechanically coupled with a tractor, and a power take-off (PTO) mechanism transfers power from the tractor's engine to drive the baler's operation. A rotary pick-up at the front of the baler picks up the loose crop material and moves it into a stuffer chamber. Once the stuffer chamber is full, its content, which may be referred to as a “charge”, is moved through a stuffer chute into a baling chamber. A reciprocating plunger compresses the charge of crop material into a growing bale. Once the bale reaches a predetermined length, it is tied and ejected through a discharge outlet to a bale chute and then falls onto the ground behind the baler. The process continues to create the next bale.

[0003] It is desirable to weigh each bale as it is being discharged from the bale chute. For example, obtaining the weight of each bale enables a farmer to assess the yield of a field and enables a contractor to charge by the weight of the baled material rather than the number of bales. It is also desirable to measure the density of the bales as it too may need to be controlled.

[0004] Square bales may be weighed behind a square baler by placing load cells onto a weigh table of the bale chute to weigh bales as they exit the chamber and before they fall to the ground. However, it is possible, if not fairly common, that before the bale of interest has fallen off the weighing table that the next bale begins to apply weight leading to a falsely high weight reading of the bale of interest.

[0005] This has been a difficult problem to address as it either requires the use of a sensor to detect when a bale has crossed a threshold on the weighing table to avoid collecting further weight or the mechanical design of the table must be such that it can only carry one bale at atime. An additional problem is presented by roller chutes used on some balers encourage a bale to fall off the bale chute before the next bale can begin presenting on the weigh table to reduce how much weight the baler can carry at a given time. However, with these roller chutes, the bale spends so little time on the weigh table that it can be difficult to obtain a good, filtered weight and the dynamic movement of the bale can cause the weight to read low. Also, a farmer may desire to change the bale length produced by the baler such as when changing to a different crop variety or when making bales for a customer that requires a different length. Variations in bale length may require an operator to make adjustments to the table. Alternately, the weighing table may be configured with springs so that the table will tilt down and drop a bale once past a tipping point. Another option may utilize a large drop between the bale chamber and table to keep the next bale hovering off the table for as long as possible.

[0006] Such systems can be costly and require additional maintenance and operator attention. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a means and method for accurately isolating and measuring the weight of a single bale.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect the invention is directed to a method for determining a weight of a finished bale produced by an agricultural baler configured to take cut plant material from the ground, compress the plant material in a baling chamber with a reciprocating plunger 106, eject the finished bale onto a bale chute having a weigh table with plurality of load cells. The change in weight on the weigh table relative to bale progression is automatically dissected into regions of interest via application of change point detection. The method includes monitoring the rearward movement of the bale with a bale movement sensor to obtain bale movement measurements, measuring a raw weight on the load table using the load cells, recording the bale movement measurements to obtain a relative position of the bale with respect to a static point on the baler, storing an array of data points that reflect the raw weight on the weigh table and the position of the bale, storing the array of raw bale weight vs position in a memory, determining that a bale drop has occurred, determining from the array of data points the measured raw weight at the time of the bale drop, determining an actual bale weight from the raw weight based on if the raw weight is a total single bale weight or from a change in weight on the weigh table, and providing an output of the actual bale weight value of the finished bale.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a baler for formation of a bale of agricultural material;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a weigh table of a bale chute of the baler of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a weigh table of a bale chute of the baler of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a controller;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates operation sequence for isolating bale weights on the weigh table in accordance with one embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a pictorial representation of portions of the operational sequence of FIG. 5;

[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates a pictorial representation of portions of the operational sequence of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 6C illustrates a pictorial representation of portions of the operational sequence of FIG. 5;

[0018] FIG. 6D illustrates a pictorial representation of portions of the operational sequence of FIG. 5; and

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of a representation of portions of the operational sequence of FIGS. 6A-6D;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates operation sequence for isolating bale weights on the weigh table in accordance with one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description. Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms "left" or "right" are used as a matter of mere convenience and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already be widely known or used by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded. As used herein, the term “configured” refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0023] As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “beneath,” “side,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience inunderstanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.). As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an example agricultural baler 102 is shown into which embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated. Broadly, the baler 102 may be configured to move over a field and collect previously cut plant material and to compress, shape, and secure the collected plant material into a plurality of bales. The baler 102 may generally include a pickup assembly 104, a reciprocating plunger 106, and a baling (or compression) baling chamber 108. The baler 102 may include some form of a stuffer assembly 110 configured to move the cut plant material gathered by the pickup assembly 104 into the baling chamber 108. Additionally, the baler 102 may be hitched to a towing vehicle (not shown) by a tongue 112, and power for operating the various mechanisms (e.g., the reciprocating plunger 106) of the baler 102 may be supplied by a power take-off of the towing vehicle. The baler 102 is depicted as an “in-line” type of baler wherein crop material is picked up below and slightly ahead of baling chamber 108 and then loaded up into the bottom of baling chamber 108 in a straight-line path of travel. The pickup assembly 104 is positioned under the tongue 112 on the longitudinal axis of the machine, somewhat forwardly of the baling chamber 108. The pickup assembly 104 has a pair of ground wheels 114 (one shown) that support the pickup assembly 104 as the baler 102 advances along the ground.

[0026] The stuffer assembly 110 includes a charge forming stuffer chamber 116 that defines an internal passage through which crop material travels from the pickup assembly 104 to the baling chamber 108 during operation of the baler 102. One having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate in the context of the present disclosure that the example stuffer assembly 110and cooperating elements and / or sub-assemblies are merely illustrative, and that other types of configurations may be implemented in some embodiments.

[0027] The reciprocating plunger 106 may be configured to compress the plant material from the charge-forming opening 118 into a growing bale. In one implementation, the plunger 106 may be configured to reciprocate within the baling chamber 108 in repeating compression and retraction strokes across the outlet opening of the charge-forming opening 118. As the plunger 106 retracts, the outlet opening is uncovered and an additional flake, charge, or other subunit of plant material enters the baling chamber 108, and as the plunger 106 contracts the outlet opening is covered, and the additional subunit of plant material is compressed into the growing bale.

[0028] The finished bale may be ejected from a discharge end 120 of the baling chamber 108 rearwardly onto a bale chute 122. Rearward movement of the bale is detected with a sensor such as a starwheel 124. Bale movement sensors such as starwheel 124 are known in the art and need not be discussed further herein. From the bale chute 122 the bale is dropped to land on the field behind the baler 102 for subsequent collection. A controller 126, which may be on the baler 102 or on the towing vehicle is configured to measure the weight of the bale as it is on the bale chute 122 as will be discussed below.

[0029] Turning now to FIG. 2, a bale chute 122 for a strait bale drop is illustrated. The bale chute 122 has a bale chute frame 202 on which a weigh table 204 (that is partially hidden in FIG. 2 for clarity) is mounted. The bale chute frame 202 supports a plurality of load cells 206 that interact with the weigh table 204 so as to measure the weight of a bale as the bale leaves the baling chamber 108 and is positioned on the bale chute 122. Desirably, there are three load cells 206, as this number forms a stable platform and helps eliminate the effect any twist in the bale chute frame 202 that may alter the weight readings produced by the load cells 206. Desirably, the load cells 206 form a triangular pattern. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the weigh table 204 has a first load cell 206 in a front portion 208 of the weigh table 204 and two rear load cells 206 that are symmetrically positioned in a rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204. In the illustrated embodiment, if a bale is placed in the middle of the load cells 206, the front load cell 206 will read half the bale weight while the rear two load cells 206 will each read a quarter of the bale weight.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bale chute 122 configured to turn the bale as the bale is dropped. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, there are two front load cells206 in the front portion 208 of the weigh table 204 and one rear load cell 206 positioned in the rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204. The load cells 206 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also form a triangular pattern, but with a base portion formed by the two front load cells 206 in the front portion 208 of the bale chute 122.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the example controller 126 depicted in FIG. 1, which comprises a computer architecture is shown. The controller 126 is configured with application software 402 that receives measurements from the load cells 206 of the weigh table 204 at the front portion 208 and at the rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204. The application software 402 observes the front, rear and total weights to determine when weight is transferring to the rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204 while no or little total weight is being added. This is a strong indicator that the bale of interest is either sliding or being pushed back on the weigh table 204 while the next bale is either not making contact or making insufficient contact to contribute much added weight. While these sliding events are taking place, the application software 402 may monitor the bale weights to either take a number of samples for post-processing or observing the live weight to capture an instantaneous weight reading. Once the next bale begins to present on the weigh table 204, there is an increase in total weight and often a transfer of weight back towards the front portion 208 of the weigh table 204 that the application software 402 can observe to cease weight collection. It should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the controller 126 depicted in FIG. 4 is one example illustration, and that in some embodiments, fewer, greater, and / or different computer architecture components may be used. Also, it should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that certain well-known components of computer systems are omitted here to avoid obfuscating relevant features of the controller 126.

[0032] In one embodiment, the controller 126 comprises one or more processing units 404, input / output (I / O) interface(s) 406, and memory 408, all coupled to one or more data busses, such as data bus 410. The memory 408 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random-access memory RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, and SDRAM, etc.) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, Flash, solid state, EPROM, EEPROM, hard drive, CDROM, etc.). The memory 408 may store a native operating system, one or more native applications, emulation systems, or emulated applications for any of a variety of operating systems and / or emulated hardware platforms, emulated operating systems, etc. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the memory 408 comprises an operating system 412 andapplication software 402. The application software 402 comprises executable code that receives input from the load cells 206 corresponding to the weight of the bale. The application software 402, calculates the bale weight value. Additional software may be used in some embodiments, including graphical user interface (GUI) software, browser software, communications software, etc. It should be appreciated that the application software 402 may be distributed among one or more software modules in the controller 126 or distributed in whole or in part in a remote computing device. In some embodiments, a separate storage device may be coupled to the data bus 410 or coupled via the I / O interfaces 406, such as a persistent memory (e.g., optical, magnetic, and / or semiconductor memory and associated drives).

[0033] Execution of the application software 402 is implemented by the processing unit 404 under the auspices of the operating system 412. In some embodiments, the operating system 412 may be omitted and a more rudimentary manner of control implemented. The processing unit 404 may be embodied as a custom-made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU) or an auxiliary processor among several processors, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip), a macroprocessor, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates, and / or other well-known electrical configurations comprising discrete elements both individually and in various combinations to coordinate the overall operation of the controller 126. Note that the controller 126 may comprise additional functionality, including one or more of the functions provided by the control system.

[0034] When certain embodiments of the controller 126 are implemented at least in part in logic configured as software / firmware, as depicted in FIG. 4, it should be noted that the logic can be stored on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable medium for use by, or in connection with, a variety of computer-related systems or methods. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium may comprise an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or apparatus that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer-related system or method. The logic may be embedded in a variety of computer-readable mediums for use by, or in connection with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.

[0035] When certain embodiment of the controller 126 are implemented at least in part in logic configured as hardware, such functionality may be implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are all well-known in the art: a discreet logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0036] The weigh table 204 is equipped such that the application software 402 (FIG. 4) run by the controller 126 performs an operation sequence for isolating bale weights on the weigh table 204 as shown in a flow chart on FIG. 5 and pictorially represented in FIGS. 6A-6D and 7.

[0037] The controller 126 measures weight at the front portion 208 and rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204 as the total weight increases over time as shown in FIG. 6A. The application software 402 observes the front, rear and total weights to determine when weight is transferring to the rear portion 210 of the weigh table 204 while no or little total weight is being added as shown in FIG. 6B. This is an indicator that the bale of interest is either sliding or being pushed back on the weigh table 204 while the next bale is either not making contact or making insufficient contact to contribute significant added weight. While these sliding events are taking place, the controller 126 monitors the bale weights to either take a number of samples for post-processing or observing the live weight to capture an instantaneous weight reading. Once the next bale begins to present on the weigh table 204 there is an increase in total weight as shown in FIG. 6C and often a transfer of weight back towards the front portion 208 of the weigh table 204 that the application software 402 can observe to cease weight collection as shown in FIG. 6D.

[0038] An operation sequence of the controller 126 for isolating bale weights on the weigh table 204 is shown in a flow chart in FIG. 5 with the following steps.

[0039] At step 502 data representing the sum of the weight of the front load cell(s) 206 is received.

[0040] At step 504, data representing the sum of the weight of the rear load cell(s) 206 is received.

[0041] At step 506 the sum of the total weight on the weigh table 204 is received based on the weights of the front and rear load cells 206.

[0042] At step 508 the change of the weight of the front load cell(s) 206 over time is determined.

[0043] At step 510 the change of the weight of the rear load cell(s) 206 over time is determined.

[0044] At step 512 the change of the total weight of the front and rear load cells 206 is determined.

[0045] At step 514 the controller 126 received input from steps 508, 510 and 512 and checks for a reduction of the front weight change and / or increase of the rear weight change while the total weight change remains nearly constant.

[0046] At step 516 the method collects the total weight from step 506 at the time the controller 126 determines that the reduction of the front weight change and / or increase of the rear weight change while the total weight change remains nearly constant from step 514.

[0047] At step 518 the controller 126 stores the total sum weight samples in memory 408.

[0048] At step 520 the application software 402 determines that a bale drop has occurred.

[0049] At step 522 the application software 402 performs post process filtering on the total sum weight samples from step 518 at the time of the bale drop from step 520 to estimate the actual bale weight and provides an output of the bale weight value at step 524.

[0050] Through this method it is possible to isolate the weight of a single bale coming off the weigh table 204 without any mechanical changes to the design of the bale chute 122 or the need to add additional sensors to the baler 102. It further eliminates the need for an operator to make additional changes or adjustments to a baler 102 to account for variances in bale length and operating angle of the bale chute 122.

[0051] Turning also now to FIG. 7, employing statistical change detection, the progression of the bale can be separated into four separate regions that can be solved for directly. In Region one 702, a bale drop occurs. In region two 704, a single bale exits the baling chamber 108. In region three 706, the single bale breaks free of the baling chamber 108. In region four 708, a second bale begins to apply weight to the weigh table 204 as it exits the baling chamber 108. If the first bale were to slide off the weigh table 204 prior to the second bale beginning to apply weight on the weigh table 204, or if the bale chute 122 is short enough that only one bale can apply weight to the weigh table 204 at one time, the method would detect only Region one 702, region two 704 and region three 706.

[0052] Utilization of the rear load cells 206 is uniquely important for the straight drop because it allows for a reliable detection of the bale drop. Once the bale drop occurs, the "post process"analysis is done to detect the values recorded for region three 706, and the weight of the bale can be calculated. All embodiments of this method utilize the total weight captured throughout the traversal of a bale across the weigh table 204 to solve for each region.

[0053] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the weight of the first bale in the figure that is captured in region three 706 is around 63 lb. The difference between the peak and trough in region one 702 is about 60 lbs. This difference alone cannot be used as the first bale weight due to the delay in the filtered signal, and the second bale has applied more weight by the trough than it was at the peak. The second bale applies more weight onto the scale as it pushes the first off.

[0054] In the graph of FIG. 7, the x-axis is referred to as "next-bale ratio" or "slide index". The value represents the ratio that the second bale, or the bale currently exiting the baling chamber 108, is protruding from the chamber. Therefore, a next-bale ratio or slide index of 0 indicates that the second bale is not protruding from the baling chamber 108 at all. The index increases as the second bale protrudes further out of the baling chamber 108, and resets once the bale exits.

[0055] Independent of the underlying digital signal processing method (such as shown in FIG. 5) that is employed, it is desirable to reliably select region three 706 because it is during that time that a single bale is entirely on the bale chute 122 and applies its full weight to the weigh table 204. There is a unique scenario for each scale bed type that region four 708 is not present. Region four 708 will not exist for a quarter turn chute as shown in FIG. 3 if the flipper is properly adjusted based on the length of the bale coming out of the baling chamber 108. In the case of proper adjustment, the first bale is flipped off to the side prior to any meaningful bale weight being applied from the second bale. While for the straight drop, region four 708 will not exist if the weigh table 204 is both adequately shorter than the length of the bale and lower than the bale chamber 108 such that a second bale cannot apply weight prior to a full departure of the first bale.

[0056] With the above method, information uniquely valuable for each scale bed type can be determined. Proper detection of region four 708 could be especially useful for a quarter turn scale bed where the flipper is located more rearward than optimal. A straight drop bed long enough to accommodate the beginning of a second bale could result in a longer duration in region three 706, and thus a more accurate weight calculation on average. Too quick of departure from the weigh table 204 has been observed to register low weights.

[0057] The bouncy environment in which a baler 102 operates and the frequency of the plunger 106 requires the application of a suitable filter on the signal from the load cells 206. Therefore, the signal shown in FIG. 7 contains inherent delay and averaging as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0058] A second operation sequence of the controller 126 for isolating bale weights on the weigh table 204 is shown in a flow chart in FIG. 8 with the following steps. With the combination of bale progression information from a sensor such as the starwheel 124 in the baling chamber 108, the application software 402 can construct a data table that represents the total weight or the change in weight on the weigh table 204 relative to bale movement or to the relative position of a bale on the weigh table 204.

[0059] At step 802 the raw weight from the load cells 206 is determined.

[0060] At step 804 bale movement measurements from the sensor such as the starwheel 124 are recorded.

[0061] At step 806 the raw weight data from the load cells is stored into an array of data points that reflect the relative position of the bale with respect to the baling chamber 108 or some other static point on the baler 102. The resulting array reflects weight data (maximum, average, minimum, absolute sum, etc.) relative to bale position.

[0062] At step 808 an array of bale weight vs position is stored in memory 408.

[0063] At step 810 the application software 402 determines that a bale drop has occurred.

[0064] At step 812 the application software 402 uses post process logic to determine which array cell(s) to use from step 808 to estimate the actual bale weight at the time of the bale drop from step 810 to estimate the actual bale weight and provides an output of the bale weight value at step 814. The array cell(s) associated with the actual bale weight are from region 3 706 depicted in FIG. 7.

[0065] Through this method it is possible to isolate the weight of a single bale without any mechanical changes to the design of a weighing weigh table 204 nor adding additional sensors to the baler 102. It further eliminates the need for an operator to make additional changes or adjustments to a baler 102 to account for variances in bale length and operating angle of the bale chute 122.

[0066] This method can operate independently of the mechanical design of the bale chute 122 and the location, type, and quantity of the load cells 206. As depicted in FIG. 8, the twoenabling requirements of this method is knowledge of bale movement via starwheel 804 and weight reading from the load cells 802. Though, some minor differences in methodology can be required based on the mechanical design, e.g., knowledge of the rear load cells for the straight drop unit.

[0067] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the more pertinent aspects and features of the present invention. These should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for determining a weight of a finished bale produced by an agricultural baler 102 configured to take cut plant material from the ground, compress the plant material in a baling chamber 108 with a reciprocating plunger 106, eject the finished bale onto a bale chute (122) having a weigh table 204 with plurality of load cells 206, the method comprising: monitoring the rearward movement of the bale with a bale movement sensor 124 to obtain bale movement measurements; measuring a raw weight on the load table using the load cells; recording the bale movement measurements to obtain a relative position of the bale with respect to a static point on the baler; storing an array of data points that reflect the raw weight on the weigh table and the position of the bale; storing the array of raw bale weight vs position in a memory 408; determining that a bale drop has occurred; determining from the array of data points the measured raw weight at the time of the bale drop; determining an actual bale weight from the raw weight based on if the raw weight is a total single bale weight or from a change in weight on the weigh table; and providing an output of the actual bale weight value of the finished bale.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the bale movement sensor is a starwheel.

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