A New Optical Sensor Measures Incoming Flow from Feeder to Gin and Another Estimates the Level of Cotton in Overflow Bin for Better Control of the Feed

The sensor is applied to a conveyor, typically a moving belt.  It estimates the amount of cotton conveyed by the belt to an accuracy of better than 96%.  The data is then delivered to a controller which uses it to modulate the speed of the the feeder such the desired amount of cotton is fed into the gin and maintains its stand full.  A different sensor is applied on an overflow bin wall measures the amount of cotton contained in the bin that moment. Using these sensors in a control system, the operator can achieve even flow of cotton to the gin and full stands to their capacity.