GATE WITH VARIABLE GATE CONTROL FOR HANDLING AGRICULTURAL GRANULAR MATERIALS

摘要

A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding door in a door frame connected to a motor, a transmission, and a drive coupling. An inverter drive, operator interface, control circuitry, and proximity sensors are arranged to provide sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor provides signals associated with incremental positions of the gate. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with a sprocket on the motor to sense the passage of each tooth of the sprocket, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions (e.g., a rack or a pinion on a rack and pinion drive). The control circuitry connects and/or controls interface, the sensors, and the motor inverter drive. The circuitry includes a CPU that may learn the positions of the gate associated with signaling provided by the proximity sensors thereby allowing the subsequent setting of a desired position at the operator interface and automatic operation of the gate to said position.