This is a 3-D replica of a battery-operated model
used in FGIS gate testing classes. The model shows
the bottom of a shipping bin, with a slide gate to
control the discharge of grain. Below the bin gate
is a pair of slide gates which form a diversion
point. This model is fully functional. The gates
are operated by clicking on the buttons with the
mouse. Opening the "SHIP GATE" allows grain to
flow to the ship. Opening the "RETURN GATE" allows
grain to flow back to the elevator (house). Due to
the high cost of virtual soybeans, this model has
only two.
The model incorporates the basic elements of a
monitoring and control system:
Each gate has two LIMIT SWITCHES which act as
input elements, telling the system whether the
gate is closed (CL) or fully open (FO).
The indicator elements are INDICATOR LIGHTS,
which tell the operator the current state of the
system.
The controls are PUSHBUTTONS which let an
operator tell the system to move gates or change
the status of the shipping bin. The words "SHIP,"
"HOLD", and "REJECT" on the shipping bin are
status buttons, which set the shipping bin to a
certain status when clicked. The current shipping
bin status is shown by the illuminated button.
The output elements, not shown, power the
electric motors which move the gates.
The logic element, also not shown, is a RELAY
which forces the bin gate closed unless certain
conditions are satisfied. When the bin is in HOLD
status, the relay keeps the bin gate shut. When
the bin is in SHIP status, the bin gate is forced
closed if any grain can flow back to the house.
When the bin is in REJECT status, the bin gate is
forced closed if any grain can flow to the ship.
The monitoring and control system shown is
properly wired. The indicator lights show the true
positions of the gates, and the relay removes the
gate's permission to open at the right times. You
can operate the model and move around it.
NOTE: If the model
does not appear below you do not have a VRML player
installed.
