BR102018075216A2 - system and method for detecting crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester - Google Patents

Abstract

it is in one aspect a system for detecting crop storage levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester which may include an elevator extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the elevator being configured to carry harvested crops between its proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a storage feeder positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator, wherein the storage feeder defines a volume configured to receive harvested crops discharged from the distal end of the elevator. In addition, the system may include a fill level sensor provided in operative association with the storage feeder. The fill level sensor can be configured to detect a fill level of harvested crops contained in the storage volume of the storage feeder.

Description

“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING CULTURE LEVELS IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVEST” Campo da Invenção [0001] The present matter generally refers to agricultural harvesters, such as sugarcane harvesters and, more particularly, to a sensor to detect crop fill levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester and related systems and methods.

Background of the Invention [0002] Typically, agricultural harvesters are accompanied by a receiver for harvested crops, such as a truck that is driven alongside or behind the harvester, or a wagon towed by a truck or tractor. An unloading conveyor or elevator extends from the harvester and is operable during the harvesting operation as it moves along the field to unload the harvested crops to the accompanying recipient.

[0003] Some harvesters, particularly combination harvesters, have an integrated crop transport capability, such as a large grain store, so that it does not need to be constantly accompanied by a receiver for harvested crops. Other harvesters have only limited integrated transport capacity and require substantially constant monitoring by an external receiver or storage device. For example, sugar cane harvesters have an elongated upward inclined elevator that uses one or more circulating chains to transport paddles or other crop transport elements upward along an upper span facing upward from the elevator, and downward along a lower span facing down from the elevator in an endless circuit. The harvested sugar canes are typically cut into

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 18/84 / 52 smaller fragments and then carried by the paddles upwards along the upper span of the elevator and for a subsequent discharge from the distal end of the elevator to the accompanying receiver, such as a fragment cart.

[0004] When an external receiver for a sugarcane harvester is absent or otherwise not properly positioned in relation to the harvester, the discharge elevator must be stopped to prevent the transported debris from being discharged on the ground. This situation can increase under a variety of conditions, such as if the attached receiver is full and you must let the harvester unload. As another example, the receiver can often be a towed wagon that (together with your towing vehicle) defines a radius of turn greater than the combine itself. In such cases, when a curve is run at the end of the field, the recipient may not be immediately present to receive the harvested cultures. As a result, the harvester may have to pause the operation until the receiver can be positioned properly in relation to the harvester. In each situation, there is a significant loss in the combine's productivity.

[0005] Consequently, systems and methods that allow a harvester to continue harvesting when an external receiver is not positioned properly in relation to the harvester would be welcome in technology. Furthermore, systems and methods that use a sensor to detect crop fill levels in an agricultural harvester's integrated storage would be welcome in the technology.

Description of the Invention [0006] The aspects and disadvantages of the invention will be presented, in part, in the following description, or they may be obvious from the description, or they can be learned through the practice of the invention.

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 19/84 / 52 [0007] In one aspect, the present article is directed to a system to detect crop levels in an integrated storage of an agricultural harvester. The system can include an elevator that extends between a proximal end and a distal end, the elevator being configured to transport harvested cultures between its proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a storage feeder positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator, where the storage feeder defines a volume configured to receive harvested cultures discharged from the distal end of the elevator. In addition, the system may include a fill level sensor provided in operative association with the storage feeder. The fill level sensor can be configured to detect a fill level for the harvested crops contained in the storage volume of the storage feeder.

[0008] In another aspect, the present matter is directed to a method for detecting crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester, the harvester comprising an elevator assembly that includes an elevator that extends between a proximal end and an distal end. The elevator assembly may additionally include a storage feeder positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. The method may initially include operating the harvester in a harvest unloading mode so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator and subsequently unloaded from the harvester through an unloading opening defined by the storage feeder. Additionally, upon receipt of an entry associated with the combine operation in a harvest storage mode, the method may include reducing the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 20/84 / 52 elevator and block the discharge opening defined by the storage feeder so that harvested cultures expelled from the distal end of the elevator are stored in a storage volume of the storage feeder. In addition, the method may include monitoring a fill level of the crops harvested in the storage feeder against a predetermined fill level threshold as the elevator is operated at reduced operating speed.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and disadvantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The attached drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the achievements of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Figures [0010] A complete and enabling description of the present invention, which includes its best mode, directed to a person of common skill in the technique, is presented in the specification, which makes reference to the attached figures, in which :

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified side view of an agricultural harvester construction in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a distal portion of a combine lift assembly shown in Figure 1, which particularly illustrates components of an elevator assembly storage feeder in an open or unload position (or positions) to allow harvested crops to be discharged from the elevator set in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 21/84 / 52 [0013] Figure 3 illustrates another side view of the distal portion of the elevator assembly shown in Figure 2, which particularly illustrates the components of the storage feeder in a closed or storage position (or positions) to allow harvested crops are temporarily stored in the storage feeder in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an assembled view of an embodiment of a fill level sensor according to aspects of the present matter;

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of the fill level sensor shown in Figure 4;

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fill level sensor shown in Figure 4 taken around line 6-6;

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an implementation of a system to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter;

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of an implementation of a method to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter; and [0019] Figure 9 illustrates another side view of the distal portion of the combine lift assembly shown in Figure 2, which particularly illustrates the distal portion of the elevator assembly at rest on an external receiver or storage device in accordance with aspects of the this matter.

Description of Realizations of the Invention [0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the realizations of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, without

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 22/84 / 52 limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, the aspects illustrated or described as part of an embodiment can be used with another embodiment to further produce an additional embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as they are presented in the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0021] Generally, the present matter is directed to a system and method for operating a combine. Specifically, in many embodiments, a lift assembly for an agricultural harvester may include a storage feeder at its distal end to temporarily store crops harvested there. For example, the storage feeder may include one or more mobile feeder components configured to be moved between an open or unloading position (or positions) in which harvested cultures expelled from the distal end of the elevator can be unloaded from the feeder into a receiver external or storage device (that is, when operating in a discharge operation mode) and a closed or storage position (or positions) in which the harvested crops can be stored in a storage volume defined by the feeder (that is, when operating in a harvest storage mode). Thus, when the external receiver or storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the harvester, the feeder component (or components) can be moved to the closed or storage position (or positions) to allow harvested crops to be expelled from the distal end of the elevator are stored in the storage volume of the feeder without discontinuing the elevator operation

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 23/84 / 52 and / or the rest of the combine.

[0022] In addition, in many embodiments, a fill level sensor (or sensors) can be installed in the storage feeder and / or in relation to it to detect the level of filling of fragments contained therein. As will be described below, when operating in the harvest storage mode, a revealed system controller can be configured to monitor the level of fragment fill in the storage feeder based on data / signals received from the level sensor (or sensors) fill. When it is detected that the fragment fill level has reached and / or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold, the controller can be configured to initiate an appropriate control action. For example, in one embodiment, the controller may be configured to interrupt the operation of the elevator to prevent additional fragments from being expelled from the elevator in the storage feeder.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester 10 according to aspects of the present subject. As has been shown, harvester 10 is configured as a sugarcane harvester. However, in other embodiments, harvester 10 can correspond to any suitable agricultural harvester known in the art.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the harvester 10 includes a frame 12, a pair of front wheels 14, a pair of rear wheels 16 and an operator cab 18. Harvester 10 may also include a primary source of energy (for example, example, a motor mechanism mounted on frame 12) that energizes one or both pairs of wheels 14 16 by means of a transmission (not shown). Alternatively, the combine 10 can be a track-driven combine and therefore can include track-driven

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 24/84

8/52 by the motor mechanism opposite the illustrated wheels 14, 16. The motor mechanism can also drive a hydraulic fluid pump configured to generate pressurized hydraulic fluids to power various hydraulic components of the combine. 10.

[0025] Additionally, the combine 10 can include various components for cutting, processing, cleaning and unloading sugar cane as the cane is harvested from an agricultural field 20. For example, the combine 10 can include a set of tip cutter 22 positioned at its front end to intercept sugarcane as the combine 10 is moved in the frontal direction. As shown, the tip cutter assembly 22 can include both a binder disk 24 and a cutting disk 26. Binder disk 24 can be configured to bind sugar cane stems so that the cutting disk 26 can be used to cut the tip of each stem. As is generally understood, the height of the nose cutter assembly 22 can be adjustable by means of a pair of arms 28 raised and lowered hydraulically, as desired, by the operator.

[0026] Additionally, the harvester 10 may include a crop divider 30 that extends up and back from the field 20. In general, the crop divider 30 may include two helical feed rollers 32. Each feed roller 32 can include a soil shoe 34 at its lower end to help the crop divider 30 to agglutinate the sugarcane stems for harvest. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the combine 10 can include a tipping roller 36 positioned close to the front wheels 14 and a fin roller 38 positioned behind the tipping roller 36. As the tipping roller 36 is rotated, the cane stems sugar that is harvested are tipped over while the crop divider 30 agglutinates the stems of the agricultural field 20. Additionally, as shown in Figure 1, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 25/84

9/52 fin 38 may include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins 40 which help to force the sugar cane stems down. As the fin roller 38 is rotated during the harvest, the sugar cane stems that have been tipped over by the tipping roller 36 are separated and additionally tipped over by the fin roller 38 as the combine 10 continues to move forward relative to the field 20.

[0027] Still referring to Figure 1, the combine 10 may also include a base cutter assembly 42 positioned behind the fin roller 30. As is generally understood, the base cutter assembly 42 may include blades (not shown) for breaking the stalks of sugar cane as the cane is harvested. The blades, located on the periphery of the set 42, can be rotated by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system. Additionally, in many embodiments, the blades can be angled downward to break the base of the sugar cane as the cane is tipped over by the fin roller 30.

[0028] In addition, the combine 10 may include a feed roller assembly 44 located downstream of the base cutter assembly 42 to move the broken sugar cane stems of the base cutter assembly 42 along the processing path. As shown in Figure 1, the feed roller assembly 44 can include a plurality of lower feed rollers 46 and a plurality of opposing upper feed rollers 48. The various lower and upper feed rollers 46, 48 can be used to pinch the sugar cane harvested during transportation. As the sugar cane is transported through the feed roller assembly 44, waste (for example, stones, dust and / or the like) may be allowed to fall through the lower rollers 46 onto field 20. In one embodiment, one or more both feed roller arrangements 46, 48 can be rotated, for example, by

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 26/84 / 52 a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system.

[0029] In addition, the harvester 10 may include a chipper assembly 50 located at the downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44 (e.g., adjacent to the lower and upper upper feed rolls 46, 48). In general, the chipper set 50 can be used to cut or chop the broken stalks of sugar cane into pieces or "fragments" that can, for example, measure 15.24 centimeters (six (6) inches). The fragments can then be propelled towards an elevator assembly 52 of the combine 10 for delivery to an external receiver or storage device (not shown). In one embodiment, the chipper assembly 50 can be driven in a rotating manner, for example, by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system.

[0030] As is generally understood, pieces of waste (for example, dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane billets can be expelled from the combine 10 through a primary extractor 54, which is located behind the assembly of chipper 50 and is oriented to direct the residues out of the harvester 10. Additionally, an extractor fan 56 can be mounted on the base of the primary extractor 54 to generate a sufficient suction or vacuum force to capture the residues 53 and force the residues 53 through the primary extractor 54. The separated and washed fragments 51, which are heavier than the residues 53 which are expelled from the extractor 54, can then fall downward to the elevator assembly 52.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the elevator assembly 52 can generally include an elevator housing 58 and an elevator 60 that extends within the elevator housing 58 between a lower proximal end 62 and an upper distal end 64 In general, the elevator 60 may include a chain or a loop member 66 and a plurality of straps or paddles 68 attached to the loop member 66 and equally spaced therein. At

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 27/84 / 52 paddles 68 can be configured to retain the sugar cane fragments in elevator 60 as the fragments are raised along an upper span 70 of elevator 60 defined between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64. Additionally , the elevator 60 may include lower and upper rotating members 72, 74 (e.g., upper and lower gears) positioned at its proximal and distal ends 62, 64, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, an elevator motor 76 can be coupled to one of the rotating members (for example, the upper rotating member or the gear 74) to drive the chain or the loop member 66, and thereby allow the loop member 66 and the blades 68 travel in an endless cycle between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the elevator 60.

[0032] In addition, pieces of waste (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the elevated sugar cane fragments can be expelled from the combine 10 through a secondary extractor 78 coupled to the rear end of the elevator housing 58 As shown in Figure 1, the secondary extractor 78 can be located adjacent to the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and can be oriented to direct the waste out of the harvester 10. Additionally, an extractor fan 80 can be mounted on the extractor base secondary 78 to generate a sufficient suction force or vacuum to catch the waste and force the waste through the secondary extractor 78. The clean and separated fragments, heavier than the waste expelled through the extractor 78, can then fall from the distal end 64 of elevator 60. Typically, debris can fall down through a discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52 in an external storage device (not shown), such as a sugar cane fragment cart.

[0033] During the operation, harvester 10 is traveled throughout the agricultural field 20 to harvest sugar cane. After the height of the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 28/84 / 52 tip cutter 22 to be adjusted by means of the arms 28, the agglutinating disc 24 in the tip cutter assembly 22 can work to agglutinate the sugar cane stems as the combine 10 proceeds through field 20, while the cutter disc 26 breaks the leafy ends of the sugar cane stems to pour along each side of the harvester 10. As the stems enter the crop divider 30, the soil shoes 34 can define the operating width to determine the amount of sugar cane entering the harvester throat 10. The helical feed rollers 32 then bind the stems in the throat to allow the tipping roller 36 to tilt the stems down in conjunction with the action of the fin roller 38. Once the stems are positioned at an angle as shown in Figure 1, the base cutter assembly 42 can then break the base of the stems in field 20. The broken stems are then moved by combine 10, directed to feed roller assembly 44.

[0034] The broken sugar cane stems are transported backwards by the lower and upper feed rollers 46, 48, which compress the stems, make them more uniform and shake off the debris to pass through the lower rollers 46 to field 20 At the downstream end of the feed roll assembly 44, the chipper assembly 50 cuts or chops the compressed sugar cane stems into pieces or fragments (for example, 15.24 cm (6 inch) cane sections). Airborne waste or mills (eg, dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane fragments are then extracted through the primary extractor 54 using suction created by the extractor fan 56. The fragments separated / cleaned then fall down on elevator assembly 52 and travel upward through elevator 60 from its proximal end 62 to its distal end 64. During normal operation, once the fragments reach the distal end 64 of the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 29/84 / 52 elevator 60, fragments fall through the discharge opening 82 to an external storage device. Similar to the primary extractor 54, the mill is blown from the combine 10 through the secondary extractor 78 with the help of the extractor fan 80.

[0035] Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present matter, the elevator assembly 52 may also include a storage feeder 100 coupled to the elevator housing 58 at a location adjacent to the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 (for example, at a location below elevator 60 and secondary extractor 78). As shown in Figure 1, storage feeder 100 can be configured to at least partially define discharge opening 82 of elevator assembly 52. As will be described in more detail below, storage feeder 100 can include feeder access 102 which is movable between a discharge position and a storage position. When the feeder access 102 is located in its unloading position, the combine 10 can be operated in its typical unloading mode (for example, hereinafter referred to as its harvest unloading method) in which the fragments expelled from the end distal 64 of the elevator 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an associated external storage device. However, when feeder access 102 is located in its storage position, feeder access 102 can cover or block discharge opening 82 to prevent debris from being discharged from elevator assembly 52. In such an operation mode, the fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 may fall into a storage volume 104 defined by the storage feeder 100 for temporary storage therein.

[0036] Furthermore, in many embodiments, the combine 10 can also

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 30/84 / 52 include one or more crop flow sensors 204 configured to monitor one or more harvester crop flow parameters 10. In general, the crop flow parameter (or parameters) can match any parameter (or parameters) of proper operation of the harvester 10 that provides an indication of a mass flow of culture or productivity of the material harvested through the harvester 10 or that may be correlated to it. Therefore, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can generally match any suitable sensor or capture device that is configured to monitor a given culture flow parameter (or parameters). For example, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 may correspond to one or more pressure sensors to monitor a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied in a hydraulic circuit of the vehicle hydraulic system, one or more torque sensors to monitor an operating torque of one or more rotating components of the combine 10, one or more position sensors to monitor the relative position of one or more components that are configured to move with changes in the culture mass flow, one or more yield sensors configured to directly or indirectly monitor crop productivity, and / or any other suitable sensors.

[0037] Additionally, as shown in Figure 1, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can be supplied in operative association with any number of harvester components and / or installed in any suitable location on harvester 10 and / or in relation to it. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more culture flow sensors 204 may be provided in operative association with one or more of the components of the vehicle feed train system, such as one or more components associated with the cutter assembly. base 42, feed roller assembly 44 and / or the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 31/84 / 52 chipper set 50. Alternatively, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can be supplied in operative association with any other suitable components and / or installed in any other suitable location that allows a parameter (or culture flow parameters of the combine 10 are monitored, such as at a location in the elevator housing 58 of the elevator assembly 52.

[0038] Now with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the side views of a distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 shown in Figure 1 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter, which particularly illustrates the storage feeder 100 located adjacent the end distal 64 from elevator 60. Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates feeder access 102 of storage feeder 100 in its unloading position to allow the combine 10 to be operated in its harvest unloading mode. Similarly, Figure 3 illustrates the feeder access 102 of the storage feeder 100 in its unloading position to allow the combine 10 to be operated in its harvest unloading mode.

[0039] In many embodiments, the storage feeder 100 can be positioned at the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 or adjacent to it so that fragments expelled from the lift 60 at its distal end 64 fall downwardly into the storage feeder 100. For example , as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the storage feeder 100 may extend below the elevator housing 58 so that the feeder 100 includes a vertically spaced bottom side 108 of the elevator housing 58 at a location below the distal end 64 the elevator 60 and a rear side 110 (Figure 2) positioned below the secondary extractor 78.

[0040] In many embodiments, the storage feeder 100

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 32/84 / 52 may include a movable feeder access 102 along the lower side 108 of the feeder 100 and a movable rear deflector 112 relative to the rear side 110 of the feeder 100. The storage feeder 100 may also include a pair of walls side 114 (only one of which is shown) extending out of elevator housing 58 to the bottom and rear sides 110, 112 of feeder 100. Additionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, storage feeder 100 may include a front baffle 116 spaced in front of the rear side 110 of the feeder 100. In one embodiment, the discharge opening 82 of the lift assembly 52 can be defined between the front baffle 116 and the rear baffle 112 along the bottom side 108 of the feeder 100.

[0041] As indicated above, feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved between a discharge position (Figure 2) and a storage position (Figure 3). Additionally, in one embodiment, the rear baffle 112 can be movable between an open position (Figure 2) and a closed position (Figure 3). In many embodiments, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest unload mode, feeder access 102 can be moved to its unload position while the rear deflector 112 can be moved to its open position. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when in the discharge position, feeder access 102 can be moved away from the rear side 110 of feeder 100 (for example, in the direction of arrow 118) to expose the defined discharge opening 82 along the bottom side 108 of the feeder 100 between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112. Similarly, as shown in Figure 2, when in the open position, the rear deflector 112 can be rotated relative to its rear side 110 feeder 100 away from both feeder access 102 and front deflector 116 (for example, in the direction of arrow 120) to increase the discharge opening 82.

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 33/84 / 52

Therefore, the harvested culture expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 can fall through the discharge opening 82 and thus can be discharged from the elevator assembly 52.

[0042] Furthermore, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode, feeder access 102 can be moved to its storage position while the rear deflector 112 can be moved to its closed position. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when in the storage position, feeder access 102 can be moved towards the rear side 110 of feeder 100 (for example, in the direction of arrow 122) to cover the discharge opening 82 defined along the bottom side 108 of the feeder 100. Similarly, as shown in Figure 3, when it is in the closed position, the rear deflector 112 can be rotated in relation to its rear side 110 of the feeder 100 both in the direction of access feeder 102 as well as front deflector 116 (for example, in the direction of arrow 124) until rear deflector 112 contacts feeder access 102 or is otherwise positioned directly adjacent to it When feeder access 102 and the rear baffle 112 are located in such positions, the storage feeder 100 can be configured to define a storage volume 104 to store the crop a harvested ejected from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the storage volume 104 may extend between a front end 126 defined by front deflector 116 and a rear end 128 defined by rear deflector 112. Additionally, the storage volume 104 can extend transversely between the opposite side walls 114 of the feeder 100 and vertically between the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and the feeder access 102. Thus, the harvested cultures expelled from the distal end 64 of the lift 60 can

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 34/84 / 52 fall to the bottom of the storage volume 104 defined by the feeder access 102 and accumulate in the storage volume 104 between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112 and the opposite side walls 114.

[0043] It should be appreciated that the storage volume 104 defined by the storage feeder 100 can generally correspond to any suitable volume sufficient to store a desired amount of fragments in the feeder 100. However, in many embodiments, the storage feeder 100 can be configured so that the storage volume 104 is substantially equal to the maximum storage volume defined by the upper span 70 of the elevator 60 (i.e., the upper side of the elevator 60 along which the fragments are transported between the proximal and distal ends elevator 62, 64). As used herein, the storage volume 104 defined by the storage feeder 100 can be considered to be substantially equal to the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator span 70 if the storage volume 104 is within +/- 20% of the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator span 70, such as within +/- 10% of the maximum storage volume defined by the upper elevator span 70 or within +/- 5% of the maximum storage volume defined by the span elevator top 70 and / or any other sub-bands between them.

[0044] Additionally, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the rear baffle 112 may not be movable, but, instead, it may be fixed or stationary. In such embodiments, only feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved to switch the operation of the combine 10 between its harvest unloading and storage modes. For example, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode, feeder access 102 can be moved

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 35/84 / 52 fixed rear deflector 112 for the storage position in which feeder access 102 is in contact with deflector 112 or is otherwise positioned directly adjacent to it. Similarly, when it is desired to operate the combine 10 in its harvest discharge mode, feeder access 102 can be moved away from the rear baffle 112 to expose the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in many embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may include an access actuator 130 configured to move feeder access 102 between its discharge and storage positions. In general, the access actuator 130 can correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and / or device. For example, in one embodiment, access actuator 140 may include a set of gears and racks for moving feeder access 102 between its discharge and storage positions. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, feeder access 102 may include a rack 132 configured to engage a corresponding drive gear 134 coupled to a motor 136 (for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic system. vehicle). In such an embodiment, by turning the drive gear 134 in one direction or the other by means of the motor 136, the feeder access 102 can be acted in a linear way between its discharge and storage positions (for example, as indicated by arrows 118, 122). Alternatively, access actuator 130 can correspond to any other suitable actuating mechanism and / or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., a cylinder) and / or the like.

[0046] Additionally, in many embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may include a deflector actuator 138 configured to move the rear deflector 112 between its open and closed positions. In general, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 36/84 / 52 deflector 138 can correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and / or device. For example, in one embodiment, deflector actuator 138 may correspond to a linear actuator, such as a fluid-actuated cylinder actuator or an electric actuator (for example, a solenoid-activated actuator). Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the deflector actuator 138 can be coupled to a portion of the elevator housing 58 and / or a portion of the secondary extractor 78 and can include a drive rod 140 attached to a portion of the rear deflector 112. In such an embodiment, by actuating the actuation rod 140 linearly in one direction or the other, the rear deflector 112 can be rotated in relation to its rear side 110 of the feeder 100 between its open and closed positions. Alternatively, deflector actuator 138 can correspond to any other suitable actuating mechanism and / or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., a set of gears and racks) and / or the like.

[0047] It should be appreciated that, in many embodiments, the operation of the access actuator 130 and / or deflector actuator 138 can be configured to be controlled electronically by means of a controller 202 of the combine 10. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the controller 202 can be communicatively coupled to the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138 by means of one or more communicative links 144, such as a wired connection and / or a wireless communication. In the case where the access actuator 130 and / or the deflector actuator 138 corresponds to a fluid driven component (or components), the controller 202 can instead be communicatively coupled to suitable electronically controlled valves and / or other suitable fluid-related components to control the operation of the actuator (or actuators) 130, 138. Regardless, providing the links

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 37/84 / 52 communicative revealed between controller 202 and actuators 130, 138, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of actuators 130, 138 based on inputs received from the combine operator 10. For example, as will be described below, controller 202 can be configured to receive operator inputs associated with the desired operating mode for the harvester 10. Specifically, the operator can provide an operator input that indicates the desire to switch the harvester 10 operation from harvesting mode. discharge to harvest storage mode. In such a case, controller 202 can be configured to electronically control the operation of actuators 130, 138 to move feeder access 102 to its storage position and rear deflector 112 to its closed position. Similarly, if the operator provides an operator input that indicates the desire to switch the combine 10 operation from harvest storage mode back to harvest discharge mode, controller 202 can be configured to electronically control the operation of the actuators 130, 138 to move the feeder access 102 to its discharge position and the rear deflector 112 to its open position. [0048] With reference also to Figures 2 and 3, in many embodiments, a sealing device 150 can be provided at the upper end of the front baffle 112 to seal the space defined between the front baffle 116 and the blades 68 of the lift 60 since the blades 68 are carried beyond the baffle 116. For example, in one embodiment, the sealing device 150 may correspond to a flexible sealing member, such as a brush seal or an elastic seal. In such an embodiment, the sealing device 150 can be configured to flex or tilt as the blades 68 are transported beyond the front deflector 116. By providing the sealing device 150, fragments can be prevented

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 38/84 / 52 stored in the storage volume 104 of the feeder 100 when the combine 10 operates in its harvest storage mode fall over the top of the front baffle 116 and / or are pulled back under the lower span of the lift 60 by through the passing blades 68.

[0049] Additionally, in many embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may also include one or more fill level sensors 160 provided in operative association with storage feeder 100. In general, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be configured to detect the fill level of the fragments contained in the storage feeder 100. Therefore, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can generally be installed in the storage feeder 100 and / or in relation to it. any suitable location (or locations) that allows the sensor (or sensors) 160 to detect the fill level of fragments contained therein. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be installed at the front end 126 or adjacent to that of the storage feeder 100, such as by mounting a level sensor (or sensors) single fill 160 on the inner side of the front baffle 116 or by mounting an array of fill level sensors 160 through the front baffle 116. However, in other embodiments, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be mounted at any other suitable location on the storage feeder 100 and / or in relation to it, such as by mounting a fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 in the rear baffle 112, one or both of the side walls 114, and / or any other suitable component that allows the sensor (or sensors) 160 to detect the fill level of the fragments contained in the storage feeder 100.

[0050] It should be appreciated that any adequate amount of

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 39/84 / 52 fill level sensors 160 can be installed in relation to storage feeder 100, such as a single fill level sensor 160 or two or more fill level sensors 160. Additionally, when the elevator assembly 52 includes two or more fill level sensors 160, fill level sensors 160 can be configured to be supported by a common component or different components or installed in them. For example, as indicated above, elevator assembly 52 may include an array of fill level sensors 160 mounted on a given component, such as front baffle 116, rear baffle 112 and / or one of the side walls 114. In the However, in other embodiments, the separate fill sensor (or sensors) 160 can be installed in relation to different components, such as by installing one or more fill level sensors 160 in the front deflector 116 and one or more other flow sensors. level 160 in one or more other components, such as the rear baffle 112 and / or one or both side walls 114. Additionally, it should be appreciated that when using multiple fill level 160 sensors, sensors 160 can be installed in the same relative height in storage feeder 100 or at different heights. For example, depending on the type of sensor being used, it may be desirable to position each fill level sensor 160 at the same height in storage feeder 100 so that each sensor 160 is configured to provide an indication as to when the fill level is of fragments in feeder 100 reached or exceeded a given fill level threshold defined at the time of installation of sensors 160. Alternatively, fill level sensors 160 can be positioned at different heights in storage feeder 100 to allow each sensor 160 detect when the fragment fill level in feeder 100

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 40/84 / 52 has reached or exceeded a fill level threshold associated with this sensor 160, and thereby provides the ability to monitor the level of fragment fill in relation to two or more fill level thresholds.

[0051] It should also be appreciated that the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can generally match any suitable sensor (or sensors) capable of detecting the fill level of fragments stored in storage feeder 100. For example, in in one embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 may correspond to one or more contact sensors, such as one or more pressure sensors, load sensors and / or the like. In such an embodiment, the contact-based fill level sensor (or sensors) can be configured to be positioned on the storage feeder 100 at or adjacent to a fill level height (or heights) that corresponds to a threshold ( or thresholds) of the associated fill level, and thereby allows the sensor (or sensors) to provide an indication as to when the actual level of fragment fill in the storage feeder 100 has reached and / or exceeded that predetermined fill level threshold . In another embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 may correspond to one or more non-contact sensors, such as one or more optical based sensors (for example, an IR beam sensor (or sensors), a camera (or cameras), a LIDAR sensor or other laser range finder sensor, one or more acoustic based sensors (for example, an ultrasonic sensor (or sensors), one or more radar sensors and / or the like. realization, the non-contact fill level sensor (or sensors) can be positioned on the storage feeder 100 in any suitable location that allows the sensor (or sensors) to detect the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 41/84 / 52 level of filling of fragments in relation to one or more thresholds of level of filling.

[0052] As will be described in more detail below, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be communicatively coupled to the associated system controller 202 (for example, through a communicative link (or links) 144) , and thereby allows controller 202 to receive fill level 160 sensor (or sensors) sensor data or signals. Thus, based on data / signals received from sensor (or sensors) 160, controller 202 can determine when the fill level of the fragments in the storage feeder 100 has reached or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, a fill level threshold that is associated with a fill level height below the height at which elevator 60 is able to pull fragments back under the lower span of elevator 60 by middle of the passing blades 68, such as selecting a fill level threshold that corresponds to a fill level height defined on top of or adjacent to the front baffle 116. In such an embodiment, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 may serve to provide an indication that the fragment fill level has reached a height at which the elevator 60 is likely to soon start pulling fragments back down in its lower span. In addition, in response to the determination that the fragment fill level has reached / exceeded the fill level threshold, controller 202 can also be configured to initiate one or more related control actions, such as interrupting or adjusting operation of the elevator 60, update a timing parameter associated with the operation of the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode and / or start

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 42/84 / 52 any other appropriate control action (or actions) (for example, initiating vehicle-to-vehicle communications with a separate vehicle, such as an associated receiver).

[0053] Now with reference to Figures 4 to 6, many views of an embodiment of a particular sensor configuration that can be used for one or more of the culture level sensors 160 described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of this subject. Specifically, Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an embodiment of a contact-based sensor configuration for a fill level sensor (or sensors). However, in other embodiments, the revealed fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can have any other suitable sensor configuration, including any other sensor configuration based on suitable contact and / or any other sensor configuration based on suitable non-contact.

[0054] As shown particularly in Figures 4 and 5, the fill level sensor 160 generally corresponds to a sensor assembly that includes sensor housing 162 and sensor element 164 configured to be coupled to sensor housing 162 or otherwise supported by it. In addition, fill level sensor 160 includes a cover plate 166 configured to extend over sensor element 164 and at least partially cover it. In this regard, the cover plate 166 may defend or otherwise protect the sensor element 164 from contact with the fragments in order to prevent the fragments from damaging the sensor element 164. As will be described in more detail below, the sensor 160 can be configured to be installed in relation to the storage feeder 100 so that an external side 168 (Figure 5) of the cover plate 166 is exposed to the fragments contained in the feeder 100. Therefore, when

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 43/84 / 52 fragments begin to contact the cover plate 166 or stack against it as the billets reach the level of filling associated with the installation height of the sensor 160 in the feeder 100, an internal side 170 (Figure 5) cover plate 166 can be pressed or pushed to contact sensor element 164. Based on such contact, sensor element 164 can emit a signal (or signals) indicating that the fragment fill level has reached the installation height of the fill level sensor 160 in the storage feeder 100. Upon receipt of the signal (or signals), the associated controller 202 can then be configured to initiate an appropriate control action, such as interrupting or adjusting operation of the lift 60, updating a timing parameter associated with the operation of the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode and / or starting any another appropriate control action (or actions) (for example, initiating vehicle-to-vehicle communications with a separate vehicle, such as an associated receiver).

[0055] In general, the sensor housing 162 can have any suitable configuration that allows it to function as described in this document. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, sensor housing 162 may include or define various features for mounting sensor 160 on storage feeder 100 and / or for accommodating sensor element 164 and / or cover plate 166. For example, as shown particularly in Figure 5, sensor housing 162 can define fastener openings 172 (only two of which are shown) at locations around its outer perimeter to receive mechanical fasteners (not shown) to couple housing 162 to the storage feeder 100 and / or in relation to it (for example, front deflector 116). Additionally, as shown in Figure 5, an area

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 44/84 / 52 indentation 174 can be defined in relation to an outer face 176 of sensor housing 162 which is configured to receive cover plate 166. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, indented area 174 is generally square in shape for contiguous with the shape of the cover plate 166. As will be described below, the sensor housing 162 can also include several other features for coupling the cover plate 166 to the housing 162 and / or for positioning the cover plate 166 with respect to to the sensor element 164, as defining one or more pivot openings 178 to receive corresponding pivot beams 180 from the cover plate 166 and / or one or more flap openings 182 to receive corresponding flaps 184 from the cover plate 166 .

[0056] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor housing 162 may also include an aperture 186 defined in the center of the recessed area 174 through which a portion of the sensor element 164 extends when the sensor element 164 is coupled to housing 162 or otherwise supported by it. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, a portion of sensor element 164 can extend through aperture 186 so that a sensor membrane or active catchment portion 188 of sensor element 164 is positioned in front of a lower surface 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162.

[0057] Still, with reference to Figures 4 to 6, in many embodiments, the cover plate 166 can generally include a base plate 191 and a corresponding contact rib or shoulder 192 that extends out of the base plate 191. As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment, the base plate 191 can have a planar profile that defines a shape that is generally contiguous with the shape of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162, and thereby allows the face plate base 191

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 45/84 / 52 is received in the recessed area 174 when mounting the cover plate 166 in relation to the sensor housing 162. In addition, the contact shoulder 192 can generally be configured to extend from the base plate 191 so that when the base plate 191 is received in the recessed area 174, the shoulder 192 projects out of the recessed area 174 at least partially beyond the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6 , the contact shoulder 192 extends from the base plate 191 so that an outer portion 193 of the shoulder 192 protrudes outwardly from the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162 over a given lateral distance 194. In such an embodiment, ensuring if a portion of the contact shoulder 192 is exposed or otherwise protrudes so that it protrudes from the outer face 176 of the sensor housing 162, the fragments can be configured to make contact with the shoulder 192, regardless of its orientation in the storage feeder 100, when the fill level of the fragments reaches the position of the fill level sensor 160, and thereby allows the fragments to activate or otherwise push the cover plate 166 on the sensor membrane or active capture portion 188 and / or against it of the sensor element 164.

[0058] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, cover plate 166 may also include a pair of pivoting beams 180 that extend out opposite sides of base plate 191 that are configured to be received in the beam openings corresponding 178 (one of which is shown) defined in sensor housing 162. For example, as shown in Figure 5, beam openings 178 are defined in sensor housing 162 along the sides of indented area 174. Therefore, when install cover plate 166 in relation to sensor housing 162, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 46/84 / 52 base plate 191 can be positioned in the recessed area 174 so that the swing beams 180 are received in the swing openings 178, and thereby allows the cover plate 166 to rotate in relation to both the sensor housing 162 as for the sensor element 164 supported by it. For example, as will be described below, a bottom or bottom portion of the cover plate 166 can normally be tilted away from both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164. However, when the fill level of fragments in the storage feeder 100 reaches the level of sensor 160 so that one or more fragments make contact with the cover plate 166 or press against it (for example, by means of the contact shoulder 192), and thereby push the cover plate 166 towards both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164 to allow the cover plate 166 to activate or fire the sensor element 164.

[0059] Additionally, as shown in Figure 5, cover plate 166 may also include a pair of tilt tabs 184 (only one of which is shown) that extend on the inner side 170 of plate 166 that are configured to be received in corresponding flap openings 182 (one of which is shown) defined in sensor housing 162. As shown in Figure 5, flap openings 182 are defined through the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174. Therefore, when the cover 166 is installed in relation to the recessed area 174, the flaps 184 can extend through the flap openings 182 to the opposite side of the housing 162. In addition, as shown particularly in Figure 5, a sloping member 195 (for example, a spring) can be configured to be received on each tab 184 so that the tilt member 195 is compressed between the cover plate 166 and the surface

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 47/84 / 52 lower 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162 when the flaps 184 are received in the flap openings 182. In such an embodiment, the tilt member 195 can apply a tilt force against the cover plate 166 which tilts plate 166 away from both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164. As shown in Figure 5, to limit the swivel movement of the cover plate 166 in such a direction, a stop flange 196 can be provided at the end of each flap 184 which is configured to take a portion of the sensor housing 162 adjacent to each flap opening 182. Thus, the tilt force applied by means of the tilt member 195 can serve to rotate the cover plate 166 to away from both the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164 to a given length of rotation (for example, less than 5 degrees) limited by the path re between the flaps 184 and the sensor housing 162 by the associated stop flanges 196.

[0060] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, in one embodiment, the cover plate 166 may also include a sensor block 197 that extends outside its inner side 170 that is configured to make contact with the membrane sensor or active sensor portion 188 of sensor element 164 when cover plate 166 is rotated towards sensor element 164 due to contact with debris in storage feeder 100. For example, in the absence of debris, the sensor 197 can be configured to be separated from the active portion of sensor 188 due to the tilt action of the tilt members 195. However, as one or more fragments make contact with the cover plate 166, the cover plate 166 can be rotated inwards towards the sensor element 164, and thereby press the sensor block 197 against the associated active sensor portion 188 of the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 48/84 / 52 sensor element 164. In one embodiment, sensor block 197 can be formed of a relatively soft material (for example, a soft rubber material) in order to prevent damage to the active sensor portion 188 with contact repeated between such components.

[0061] It should be appreciated that the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 of sensor element 164 can generally correspond to any suitable pickup device that is configured to detect contact by sensor block 197 as the cover plate 166 is rotated towards sensor element 164. For example, in one embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 may include or form part of a pressure sensor element that is configured to detect the pressure applied against sensor element 164 by means of contact by sensor block 197. In another embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 may include or form part of any other suitable type of load-based force or sensor element (for example, a load cell) or any other element sensor that is configured to detect contact between sensor element 164 and sensor block 197.

[0062] It should also be appreciated that the sensor element 164 may include an output interface 198 which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the system controller 202 (for example, via the wired or wireless link 144 shown in Figures 2 and 3). Therefore, when the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 detects contact between the cover plate 166 and the sensor element 164, the sensor element 164 can be configured to transmit data and / or signals suitable for indicative controller 202 such contact. Controller 202 can then use the sensor data / signals to determine when the fragment fill level in storage feeder 100 has reached or exceeded the associated fill level threshold.

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 49/84 / 52 [0063] Now in reference to Figure 7, an embodiment of a system 200 to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, system 200 will be described in this document with reference to the combine 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and the fill level sensor 160 described above in this document with reference to Figures 4 to 6. However, it should It will be appreciated that the revealed system 200 can generally be used with combines that have any other suitable configuration and / or with fill level sensors that have any other suitable sensor configuration.

[0064] In many embodiments, system 200 may include a controller 202 and several other components configured to be communicatively coupled to controller 202 and / or controlled by it, such as one or more components to control the operating speed of the elevator 60 (for example, the elevator motor 76), one or more components to actuate the feeder access and the rear deflector (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138), one or more sensors to monitor one or more further operating parameters of the combine 10 (e.g., culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 and / or fill level sensor (or sensors) 160) and / or the like. As will be described in more detail below, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of the harvester 10 so that the harvester 10 is normally operated in its harvest discharge mode during which fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an associated external storage device. However, upon receipt of an input (for example, an operator input), controller 202 can be configured to transition the combine for operation in its

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 50/84 / 52 harvest storage during which feeder access 102 is moved to its storage position and rear deflector 112 is moved to its closed position to allow fragments to be temporarily stored in the storage volume 104 defined by the feeder storage 100. Additionally, when transitioning to harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to initially reduce the operating speed of elevator 60. After that, controller 202 can, for example, be configured to actively adjust the elevator speed, as desired or necessary, based on one or more monitored culture flow parameters of the combine 10 to come into contiguity with the elevator speed with the current or instantaneous cross-mass flow or productivity of the combine 10, and thereby maximizing the storage capacity in the 52 eaa lift assembly associated storage limiter 100 while preventing obstruction of elevator 60. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when it is detected that the fill level of fragments in storage feeder 100 has reached a given fill level threshold, controller 202 can be configured to interrupt the operation of the elevator 60 to prevent additional fragments from being discharged from the elevator 60 to the feeder 100.

[0065] In general, controller 202 can match any suitable processor-based device (or any suitable processor-based devices), such as a computing device or any combination of computing devices. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, controller 202 can, in general, include one or more processor (or processors) 210 and associated memory devices 212 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (for example, perform the methods , the steps, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 51/84 / 52 algorithms, calculations and the like revealed in this document). As used in this document, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits called, in the art, as being included in a computer, but also to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller ( PLC), an application specific integrated circuit and other programmable circuits. In addition, memory 212 may, in general, comprise a memory element (or elements) that includes, but is not limited to, computer-readable medium (for example, random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile medium (for example, example, a fast memory), a floppy disk, a read-only compact disc (CD-ROM) memory, an optical-magnetic disk (MOD), a digital versatile disk (DVD) and / or other suitable memory elements. Such memory 212 can, in general, be configured to store information accessible to processor (or processors) 210, which includes data 214 that can be retrieved, manipulated, created and / or stored by processor (or processors) 210 and instructions 216 that can run by processor (or processors) 210.

[0066] In various embodiments, data 214 can be stored in one or more databases. For example, memory 212 may include a parameter database 218 for storing data associated with one or more monitored parameters of the harvester 10, such as one or more culture flow parameters and / or the level of fragment fill in the feeder storage flow 100. As indicated above, the culture flow parameter (or parameters) can generally match any suitable operating parameter of the combine 10 that provides an indication of or may otherwise be correlated to a culture flow or productivity of material harvested through the combine

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 52/84 / 52

10, such as hydraulic pressure (or hydraulic pressures), operating torque (or torques), a certain component position (or positions), performance data and / or the like. Thus, in many embodiments, the sensor data associated with one or more such operating parameters can be stored in the culture flow parameter database 218.

[0067] As shown particularly in Figure 7, to allow controller 202 to monitor the culture flow parameter (or parameters), controller 202 can be communicatively coupled to one or more culture flow sensors 204. As indicated above, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can generally match any suitable sensor or capture device that is configured to monitor a given culture flow parameter (or parameters). For example, in one embodiment, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 may correspond to one or more pressure sensors configured to monitor a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered to one or more hydraulic motors of the vehicle's hydraulic system through of an associated hydraulic circuit, such as the hydraulic circuit associated with the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44 and / or the chipper assembly 50. In another embodiment, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 can correspond to one or more torque sensors configured to monitor an operating torque of one or more rotary components of the combine 10, such as the hydraulic motor (or hydraulic motors) configured to rotate the rotary blades of the base cutter assembly 42 in a rotating manner , the rollers 46, 48 of the feed roller assembly 44 and / or the chipper assembly 50. In an additional embodiment, the sensor (or sense crop flow res 204 can correspond to one or more position sensors configured to monitor the relative position of one or more combine components whose position is dependent on mass flow or productivity

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 53/84 / 52 harvester culture 10. In yet another embodiment, the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 may correspond to one or more yield sensors configured to provide an indication of the mass flow of culture through the harvester 10.

[0068] Still referring to Figure 7, in many embodiments, instructions 216 stored in memory 212 of controller 202 can be executed by processor (or processors) 210 to implant a harvest unload module 220. In general, the crop discharge 220 can be configured to control the operation of the combine 10 so that the combine 10 is operated in its crop discharge mode. Specifically, in order to allow operation in the harvest discharge mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the relevant components of the combine 10 (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that access from feeder 102 and rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated discharge and open positions, respectively (for example, as shown in Figure 2), and thereby allow fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of elevator 60 to fall through the feeder storage 100 and are discharged from the elevator assembly 52 via the discharge opening 82. The fragments discharged from the elevator assembly 52 can then fall into an external storage device, such as a sugar cane fragment cart. In addition, when operating in harvest unload mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the operation of elevator 60 (for example, by controlling elevator motor 76) so that elevator 60 is operated at a given time elevator speed. As will be described below, the elevator speed for harvest unloading mode can be greater than the elevator speed used when operating in harvest storage mode.

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 54/84 / 52 [0069] Additionally, as shown in Figure 6, instructions 216 stored in memory 212 of controller 202 can also be executed by processor (or processors) 210 to deploy a harvest storage module 222. In general, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to control the operation of the combine 10 so that the combine 10 is operated in its harvest unload mode. Specifically, in order to allow operation in the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to control the relevant components of the combine 10 (for example, the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that access from feeder 102 and rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated storage and closed positions, respectively (for example, as shown in Figure 3) to cover or block the discharge opening 82 of storage feeder 100, and thereby allow the fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 are stored in the storage volume 104 defined by the storage feeder 100. In addition, simultaneously covering or blocking the discharge opening 82 (or immediately before or after such control action), the controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of elevator 60. For example, when starting In the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of the elevator from its normal operating speed to a preset or predetermined standard elevator speed adjustment. This speed setting can, for example, correspond to a setting defined by the manufacturer and / or an adjustment defined by the operator. In addition, the standard speed setting can be adjusted, as desired or necessary, by the operator to fine tune such standard speed setting based on the anticipated or expected dumping rate

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 55/84 / 52 of the combine 10.

[0070] It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the standard speed setting can generally correspond to a given percentage of the normal operating speed for the elevator 60 during operation in the harvest unload mode. For example, in one embodiment, the standard elevator speed setting for harvest storage mode may correspond to a speed that is less than about 75% of the normal operating speed of the elevator 60 during operation in harvest unload mode , such as a speed in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the normal operating speed and / or a speed in the range of about 10% to about 25% of the normal operating speed.

[0071] Once the operating speed of the elevator 60 has been reduced to the standard speed setting, the harvest storage module 222 can, in many embodiments, then be configured to continuously monitor the flow parameter (or parameters) of crop 10 (for example, by means of the culture level sensor (or sensors) 204) to detect changes in the mass flow of culture through the harvester 10. Afterwards, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to actively adjust the operating speed of the elevator 60 when it is determined that a change in the culture mass flow has occurred. For example, if it is determined based on the monitored culture flow parameter (or parameters) that the culture mass flow through the combine 10 has increased, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to increase the operational speed of the elevator ( for example, by controlling the elevator motor 76). Similarly, if it is determined based on the monitored culture flow parameter (or parameters) that the culture mass flow through the combine 10 has decreased, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 56/84 / 52 to reduce the operating speed of the elevator 60 (for example, by controlling the elevator motor 76). In doing so, the magnitude of the elevator speed adjustment made by controller 202 may vary, for example, based on the magnitude of the change detected in the culture mass flow.

[0072] It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to initiate the transition between operating modes when an operator input is received by controller 202 that is associated with switching the combine operation 10 from your crop discharge mode to your crop storage mode. For example, as indicated above, it may be desirable to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode when an associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the discharge opening 82 to collect the discharged fragments, such as when rotating the fragment carts and / or when changing / resuming harvesting at the end of the row without the fragment car being in position. In such a case (or cases), the operator may be allowed to provide a suitable operator input for controller 202 which indicates the desire to switch a combine 10 operation to harvest storage mode. For example, a suitable input device (e.g., a button, a handle, a lever, a switch, etc.) can be provided in the operator's cabin 18 to allow the operator to provide operator input to controller 202. Alternatively, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to initiate the transition between operating modes when any other suitable input is received by the controller 202 which is associated with switching the combine 10 operation from its harvest unload mode to its harvest storage mode. For example, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 57/84 / 52 controller 202 can be configured to receive vehicle-to-vehicle communications that indicate that the associated external storage device is close to leaving or otherwise not positioned properly in relation to the combine 10. In such a case, upon receipt of input, controller 202 can be configured to initiate harvest storage mode from the combine.

[0073] It should also be appreciated that, in many embodiments, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to continue operation of the elevator 60 at the reduced operational speed (or speeds) until it is detected that the level of fragments filling in the storage feeder 100 has reached a given fill level threshold. For example, using the sensor configuration described above in reference to Figures 4 to 6, the fill level sensor 160 can be configured to transmit sensor data / signals to the harvest storage module 222 when the fill level of fragments reaches and exceeds the installation site of sensor 160. In such a case, based on sensor data / signals received from fill level sensor 160, harvest storage module 222 can determine that the fragment fill level reached a predetermined fill level threshold (e.g., an acceptable fill level before the fragments are pulled back down along the lower span of elevator 60 by means of the passing blades 68). The harvest storage module 222 can then interrupt or stop the operation of the elevator 60 to prevent additional fragments from being discharged into the storage feeder 100.

[0074] In another embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to continue the operation of the elevator 60 at the reduced operational speed (or speeds) for a period of time

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 58/84 / 52 predetermined (for example, a period of time during which it is anticipated that the elevator 60 will be moved by a transport distance corresponding to the distance of the upper elevator span). For example, in a particular embodiment, when operating in harvest storage mode, elevator 60 can only be configured to be operated at reduced operating speed (or speeds) for a given period of time during which elevator 60 is moved one half of its total travel distance (i.e., the transport distance defined along the upper span 70 of the elevator 60 between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64). In doing so, as the elevator 60 is moved by such a transport distance, the fragments initially contained in the upper elevator compartment 70 can be dumped in the storage volume 104 while simultaneously filling the blades 68 that move in the upper elevator compartment 70 up to its maximum fill level.

[0075] In such an embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can be configured to use the data / sensor signals received from the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 to override or adjust such control mode. For example, if the crop storage module 222 detects that the fragment fill level has reached or exceeded the fill level threshold before the time period for which elevator 60 must continue to expire, the harvest 222 can immediately stop the operation of the elevator 60 despite any time remaining in the predetermined time period to prevent excessive fragments from being discharged into the storage feeder 100. Similarly, if the predetermined time period is over, but the harvest storage module 222 has not yet detected that the fragment fill level has reached or exceeded the associated fill level threshold, the harvest storage module

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 59/84 / 52

222 can optionally continue the operation of the elevator 60 until it is detected that the fill level threshold in the storage feeder 100 has been reached.

[0076] In one embodiment, the harvest storage module 222 can also be configured to monitor the harvest time period during which the elevator 60 is operated at its reduced speed in the harvest storage mode to allow the controller 202 update the predetermined time period stored in the memory of controller 212. For example, by initiating the harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to start a timer that monitors the time period until the level of fragment fill in storage feeder 100 reaches or exceeds the predetermined fill level threshold. That monitored harvest time period can then be used to update the predetermined time period, such as increasing the predetermined time period when the monitored time period exceeds the previously stored time period or decreasing the time period predetermined when the monitored time period is less than the previously stored time period. In addition, the monitored time period can also be used in combination with data received from the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204. For example, controller 202 can be configured to store the monitored time period in combination with culture productivity estimated or determined based on the monitored culture flow parameter (or parameters) to create a lookup table that correlates culture productivity with the time period to operate the elevator 60 during harvest storage mode.

[0077] It should be appreciated that when it has sensor data from the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 60/84 / 52 fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 to detect the fill level of fragments in storage feeder 100, controller 202 can, in many embodiments, be configured to disregard or filter out temporary and / or instantaneous signals received from the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 that may be indicative of a fragment that touches the sensor (or sensors) 160 or that temporarily makes contact with it before the actual fragment fill level reaches the threshold level associated padding. In such embodiments, controller 202 can, for example, be configured to monitor and compare the signals received from the fill level sensor (or sensors) over time in order to determine whether the fragment fill level has reached actually the predetermined fill level threshold. For example, if the sensor (or sensors) 160 is triggered continuously for a given period of time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) or otherwise detects fragments at the fill level threshold more than a given number of times per In such a period of time, controller 202 may determine that it is probable that the sensor (or sensors) 160 has detected that the fragment fill level has reached the fill level threshold in the opposite way to detecting false shots as the fragments disengage or temporarily make contact with the sensor (or sensors) 160.

[0078] In addition, in one embodiment, after elevator 60 has stopped operating, the remainder of combine 10 can be kept operational to allow harvested crops to be stored in a lower storage volume of elevator assembly 52 for a period of time predetermined. Specifically, by interrupting the elevator 60, the combine 10 can continue to be used to harvest sugar cane for a given period of time (for example, three to ten seconds). In such a case, the

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 61/84 / 52 collected fragments can be stored in a lower storage feeder 152 (Figure 1) defined at the proximal end 62 of the elevator 60 or adjacent to it. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the operation of the combine 10 can be stopped. Specifically, after the continued operation of the combine 10 for the predetermined period of time after stopping the elevator 60, it can be assumed that the elevator assembly 52 is at maximum capacity. In such a case, harvester 10 can be stopped to discontinue the harvesting of sugar cane.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, controller 202 may also include a communications interface 224 to provide a means for controller 202 to communicate with any of the various other system components described in this document. For example, one or more communicative links or interfaces 226, 144 (for example, one or more data buses) can be provided between the communications interface 224 and the culture flow sensor (or sensors) 204 and / or the sensor fill level 160 (or sensors) to allow controller 202 to receive measurement signals from sensor (or sensors) 204, 160. Similarly, one or more communicative links or interfaces 228 (for example, one or more data buses ) can be provided between the communications interface 224 and the elevator motor 76 (and / or a related component configured to control the operation of the motor 76, such as a related control valve) to allow the operation of the elevator motor 76 be controlled by controller 202. Additionally, as indicated above, one or more communicative links or interfaces 144 (for example, one or more data buses) can be provided between the communications interface 22 4 and both the access actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138 (and / or a related component (or components

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 62/84 / 52 related) configured to control the operation of the actuator (or actuators) 130, 138, such as a related control valve (or valves)) to allow the operation of such components to be controlled by the controller 202.

[0080] Now in reference to Figure 8, a flowchart of an implementation of a method 300 is illustrated to detect crop levels in integrated storage of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, method 300 will be described in this document with reference to making the combine 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, making the fill level sensor 160 described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 and the system 200 described above with reference to Figure 7. However, it should be appreciated by people of ordinary skill in the art that the revealed method 300 can generally be deployed with any combine that has any suitable combine configuration, with any level sensor (or sensors) filler that has any suitable sensor configuration and / or on any system that has any suitable system configuration. In addition, although Figure 8 describes steps taken in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed in this document are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. A person skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided in this document, will observe that various stages of the methods disclosed in this document can be omitted, rearranged, combined and / or adapted in various ways, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure .

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, at (302), method 300 may initially include operating the harvester in a harvest unload mode so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 63/84 / 52 from the elevator to the distal end of the elevator and subsequently discharged from the combine through a discharge opening defined by the storage feeder. Specifically, as indicated above, when operating in harvest unloading mode, feeder access 102 and rear deflector 112 can be moved to their associated positions shown in Figure 2 (for example, the discharge position and the open position, respectively) ) to allow fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of elevator 60 to fall through storage feeder 100 and be discharged from elevator assembly 52 via discharge opening 82. Fragments discharged from elevator assembly 52 can then fall into one external storage device, such as a sugar cane fragment car.

[0082] Additionally, in (304), method 300 may include receiving an input associated with switching the combine operation from its harvest unload mode to its harvest storage mode. For example, as indicated above, it may be desirable to operate the combine 10 in its harvest storage mode when an associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the discharge opening 82 to collect the discharged fragments, such as when rotating the fragment carts and / or when changing / resuming harvesting at the end of the row without the fragment car being in position. In such a case (or cases), the operator may be allowed to provide a suitable operator input for controller 202 which indicates the desire to switch a combine 10 operation to harvest storage mode. Alternatively, controller 202 can be configured to detect that the associated external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the combine 10 based on any other

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 64/84 / 52 appropriate input (or inputs), such as based on inputs from a sensor configured to detect the position of the associated external storage device or inputs associated with vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

[0083] Furthermore, in (306), method 300 may include reducing an elevator's operating speed upon receipt of input. As indicated above, when operating in harvest storage mode, controller 202 can be configured to reduce the operating speed of elevator 60 (for example, by controlling elevator motor 76) from its normal operating speed to a reduced speed adjustment. In many embodiments, such a standard speed setting may correspond to a setting defined by the manufacturer and / or a setting defined by the operator and may be adjustable, as desired or required, by the operator or automatically by the 202 controller.

[0084] Still referring to Figure 8, at (308), method 300 may include blocking or covering the discharge opening defined by the storage feeder upon receipt of the input. Specifically, in many embodiments, when operating the combine 10 in the harvest storage mode, feeder access 102 can be configured to be moved to its storage position and the rear baffle 112 can be configured to be moved to its closed position. so that storage feeder 100 defines a storage volume 104 to receive fragments expelled from the distal end 64 of elevator 60. As indicated above, controller 202 can be configured to automatically move feeder access 102 and rear deflector 112 to their respective positions upon receipt of the entry indicating that the combine 10 must be operated in its harvest storage mode. Such control action can be performed simultaneously to reduce the operating speed of the elevator 60 or it can

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 65/84 / 52 occur just before or after adjusting the elevator speed.

[0085] Additionally, in (310), method 300 may include monitoring a fill level of the crops harvested in the storage feeder in relation to a predetermined fill level threshold as the elevator is operated at reduced operating speed. Specifically, as indicated above, controller 202 can be configured to monitor the fill level of fragments contained in storage feeder 100 against a predetermined fill level threshold via data / signals received from the sensor (or sensors) from fill level 160. In such a case, when it is determined that the fragment fill level has reached and / or exceeded the associated fill level threshold, controller 202 can be configured to initiate an appropriate control action, such as interrupting it operation of the elevator 60 to prevent additional fragments from being discharged into the storage feeder and / or updating a predetermined period of time associated with operating the elevator 60 in the harvest storage mode.

[0086] It should be appreciated that the system / method disclosed may allow a combine 10 to be operated without unloading harvested crops for a significant period of time (for example, fifteen to forty seconds depending on the productivity of the combine 10 and the extent / capacity of the elevator 60), and thereby provides sufficient time to allow an external storage device (for example, a scrap car) to be positioned in relation to the combine 10. In general, it is anticipated that the external storage device can be positioned properly in relation to the combine 10 before the level of fragment filling in the storage feeder reaches the predetermined level threshold

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 66/84 / 52 of completion. Therefore, in most cases, it is believed that the operation of the combine 10 can be switched back to its collection discharge mode before the operation of the elevator 60 needs to be stopped. However, in the event that the external storage device is not positioned properly in relation to the harvester 10 before such a point, the harvest storage mode can be continued as described above, such as stopping the elevator and continuing to operate the rest of the harvester to allow fragments to be stored in the harvester's lower storage feeder for a given period of time.

[0087] It should also be appreciated that, although the revealed fill level sensor (or sensors) has generally been described in this document in association with the operation of a combine 10 in its harvest storage mode, the data / signals from the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can also be used when operating the combine 10 in its crop discharge mode. Specifically, fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can be used to detect when fragments have started to recede in storage feeder 100 although feeder access 102 and rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated unload and open positions, respectively to allow fragments to be discharged from feeder 100. For example, Figure 9 illustrates another view of the distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 shown in Figures 2 and 3, which particularly illustrates the distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 that rests on a portion of an external receiver or storage device 400 as the combine 10 is operated in its harvest discharge mode so that fragments 402 are discharged from the feeder 100 into the external storage device 400. As shown in

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 67/84 / 52

Figure 9, when the external storage device 400 is at or near maximum capacity and the distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 rests or is supported on the storage device 400, the fragments 402 can begin to stack in the storage feeder 100 as additional fragments are discharged from the distal end 64 of elevator 60. In such a case, the fill level sensor (or sensors) 160 can detect that fragments 402 have started to recede in feeder 100. Controller 202 can then initiate a control action suitable to prevent additional fragments from piling on feeder 100. For example, in one embodiment, controller 202 may be configured to interrupt or stop the operation of elevator 60. In another embodiment, controller 202 may be configured to transmit a communication (or communications) for the vehicle towing external storage device 400 (for example, by vehicle-to-vehicle communications medium) which indicates that storage device 400 is full and that storage device 400 must be taken to be unloaded. In such an embodiment, by transmitting such communication (or communications) or upon detecting that the storage device 400 is no longer properly positioned in relation to the combine 10, the controller 202 can be configured to transition the combine 10 to its mode harvest storage to allow harvester 10 to continue harvesting until another external storage device 400 has been positioned in relation to the harvester

10.

[0088] This written description uses examples to reveal the invention, which includes the best way, and also to enable the person skilled in the art to practice the invention, which includes making and using any devices or systems and carrying out any built-in methods. The patentable scope of

Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 68/84 / 52 invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be covered by the scope of the claims, if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with non-substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. SYSTEM (200) FOR DETECTING LEVELS OF CULTURE IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER (10) and the system (200) comprises an elevator (60) that extends between a proximal end (62) and a distal end (64) ), and the elevator is configured to transport harvested cultures between its proximal (62) and distal (64) ends, where the system (200) additionally comprises a storage feeder (100) positioned adjacent to the distal end (64) of the elevator (60), in which the storage feeder (100) defines a storage volume (104) configured to receive the harvested cultures discharged from the distal end (64) of the elevator (60), the system (200) being characterized by the fact that it understands: a fill level sensor (160) supplied in operative association with the storage feeder (100), the fill level sensor (160) being configured to detect a fill level of the harvested crops contained in the storage volume ( 104) of the storage feeder (100). 2. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a contact sensor. 3. SYSTEM (200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a sensor element (164) and a cover plate (166) configured to at least partially cover the sensor element (164), the sensor element (164) emitting a signal associated with the filling level of the harvested crops contained in the storage volume (104) when the cover plate (166) is pushed against the Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 70/84 2/5 sensor (164) through contact with the harvested crop. 4. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) additionally comprises a sensor housing (162) configured to support the sensor element (164), being that the cover plate (166) is pivotally coupled to the sensor housing (162) so that the cover plate (166) can be rotated towards and away from the sensor element (164). 5. SYSTEM (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fill level sensor (160) additionally comprises a tilt member (195) configured to tilt the cover plate (166) away from the sensor element (164), the cover plate (166) being configured to rotate in the direction of the sensor element (164) against the inclination of the tilt member (195) by contacting the harvested crop against the cover plate ( 166). 6. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the fill level sensor (160) comprises a non-contact sensor. 7. SYSTEM (300), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a controller (202) communicatively coupled to the fill level sensor (160), the controller (202) being configured to determine when the fill level of harvested crops contained in the storage feeder (100) reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold based on at least one signal received from the fill level sensor (160). 8. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the controller (202) is configured to Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 71/84 3/5 interrupt the operation of the elevator (60) when the controller (202) determines that the level of filling of the harvested cultures has reached or exceeded the predetermined threshold level of filling. 9. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the controller (202) is configured to control an elevator operation (60) as the combine (10) is operated in a harvest storage mode during which harvested cultures expelled from the distal end (64) of the elevator (60) are kept in the storage volume (104) of the storage feeder (100) without being discharged from it, the controller (202) being additionally configured to determine a defined actual harvest time period between when the harvest storage mode is initiated and when the harvesting crop fill level reaches or exceeds the predetermined fill level threshold. 10. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the controller (202) is configured to update a predetermined period of time associated with operating the elevator (60) during the harvest storage mode based in the actual harvest time period. 11. SYSTEM (200), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the controller (202) is configured to transmit a notification that indicates that an external storage device (400) is at or near capacity when the controller (202) determines that the fill level of the harvested crops has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 12. METHOD (300) FOR DETECTING CULTURE LEVELS IN INTEGRATED STORAGE OF AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER (10), where the combine (10) comprises an elevator assembly (58) Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 72/84 4/5 which includes an elevator (60) extending between a proximal end (62) and a distal end (64), the elevator assembly (58) additionally including a storage feeder (100) positioned adjacent the end distal (64) of the elevator (60), the method (300) initially comprising operating the harvester (10) in a harvest discharge mode so that harvested crops are transported from the proximal end (62) of the elevator (60) to the distal end (64) of the elevator (60) and subsequently unloaded from the harvester (10) through a discharge opening (82) defined by the storage feeder (100), the method (200) additionally comprising, upon receipt an input associated with operating the combine (10) in a harvest storage mode, reducing an elevator operating speed (60) and blocking the discharge opening (82) defined by the storage feeder (100) so that harvested cultures expelled from the distal end (64) of the elevator (60) are stored in a storage volume (104) of the storage feeder (100), the method (200) being characterized by the fact that it comprises: monitoring a fill level of the crops harvested in the storage feeder (100) in relation to a predetermined fill level threshold as the elevator (60) is operated at reduced operating speed. 13. METHOD (300), according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises interrupting the operation of the elevator (60) when it is determined that the filling level has reached or exceeded the predetermined threshold of filling level. 14. METHOD (300), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises adjusting a period Petition 870180159109, of 12/05/2018, p. 73/84 5/5 of predetermined time associated with the operation of the elevator (60) in the harvest storage mode when it is determined that the fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold. 15. METHOD (300), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that monitoring the filling level of the harvested crops comprises receiving data or sensor signals from a filling level sensor (160) provided in operative association with the storage feeder (100).