Vibration sensor unit for lost-grain counting and machine-vibration monitoring
A sensor module pairs a vibration sensor with signal-processing electronics that both counts lost grain impact events and monitors vibrations of moving parts for damage. The sensor is mounted to an impact plate or rod that intercepts stray grain flows, or coupled via a holder to parts whose vibration indicates bearing wear or imbalance; outputs are delivered as two initial values for further processing or display. Typical users are combine-harvester manufacturers and service engineers on farms.
(57) What the patent covered
The main independent claim covered a vibration sensor plus electronic signal-processing circuitry that (1) derives a lost-grain quantity from the sensor signals and outputs that as a first initial value, and (2) also examines the same sensor signals for vibrations indicating possible damage to moving parts and outputs that result as a second initial value; the sensor must be vibration-coupled to an impact plate or impact rod inserted into crop flow (or coupled via a holder to the moving parts to be monitored).
The distinctive part: Using one vibration sensor and shared signal-processing electronics to produce two distinct outputs, lost-grain count and machine-damage indication, from the same sensor mounting to either an impact plate/rod or directly to moving parts.
Novelty 3/5. At filing time grain-loss sensors that used impact plates and accelerometers were common, and separate vibration monitoring for bearings also existed; this patent combined both functions in one sensor unit and processing chain rather than separate sensors.
Making it
Machined or stamped steel/aluminum impact plate or rod, mount molded or stamped holder, surface-mount PCB assembly (op-amps/ADCs/microcontroller), mechanical assembly and sealing.
Materials: aluminum or steel impact plate/rod, piezoelectric accelerometer element (ceramic), printed circuit board with signal-conditioning components, plastic or metal holder/enclosure
Manufacturability 4/5. Uses common parts and PCB assembly; needs stamping/machining for impact plate or rod and a vibration-coupling holder, plus moderate hand assembly for mounting and calibration.
Is anyone buying?
This design, or something very close to it, is on sale now. Listings come from major agriculture OEM/parts vendors and recognized distributors; active online catalog presence for grain loss monitoring or related sensor systems.
- AH166546 Piezoelectric Grain Loss Sensor (John Deere) · John Deere Shop
- Grain Loss Monitor · CNH Industrial / New Holland MyCNH Store
- Bushel Plus SmartPan System · SIDist (S.I. Distributing Inc.)
This demand check was run with a web search in the week of Oct 5, 2026. Listings change often, so treat it as a starting point for your own research.
Who buys it: combine-harvester OEMs and farm service shops
Sourcing
Factories already list this kind of product on supplier marketplaces. GLS grain loss sensor is marketed for OEM installation on combines; price and MOQ are not displayed publicly—quote needed; customization/bar length options may be available via direct inquiry.
- MC Elettronica S.r.l. · https://www.mcelettronica.it/en/product/grain-loss-sensor-gls/
Supplier prices come from public listings found with a web search and are usually quoted before customization, shipping and duties, so use them to judge whether a product is worth a quote request.
Before you make it
We didn't find any related continuation or divisional patents still in force, although that doesn't rule out design patents, trademarks or unrelated patents covering the same product.
Practical issues include sensor placement and calibration for both purposes, signal filtering to separate grain impacts from machine faults, and crowded market for loss sensors; no legal advice about the lapsed patent is given.
Owners occasionally revive lapsed patents (about 1.5% are), and this page is a research lead rather than legal advice, so get a freedom-to-operate opinion before you manufacture anything.