A self-propelled combine for collecting and handling harvested material and a method for cleaning and/or referencing an optical measuring device of the self-propelled combine are disclosed. The self-propelled combine has a bypass device with an optical measuring device for determining harvested material properties of the partial flow of harvested material.

A sampler for use in the control extraction of material samples from a flow stream of particulate material within a tubular conveyor. A rotatable extractor extends through a sample aperture in the body of the conveyor and when actuated will permit the periodic capture and discharge of particulate material samples of a controlled size from the flow stream to a sample discharge outlet outside of the conveyor. The rotatable extractor does not interfere with any material flow assistance device within the conveyor, and in operation of the conveyor, the extractor will capture periodic samples from the operating flow stream for discharge at the sample discharge outlet. The rotatable extractor could comprise an extractor flighting, extending into the flow stream and out through a discharge tube or might comprise a rotationally mounted extractor to adapted to permit periodic sampling during rotation of the tube.

A device for obtaining samples from a flowing powder stream and performing their immediate analysis using a spectroscopic method is provided. Systematic sample size reduction is achieved to provide representative samples and their immediate (real-time) analysis. The powder blends may come from pharmaceutical, vitamin and nutraceutical products, which must fulfill blend homogeneity requirements. All parts of the batch will have the same probability of being selected as a sample. Samples are obtained without disturbing or changing the composition of the powder blend during the sampling process. Unlike the sample thief commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, the device of the invention does not disturb the powder blend and does not change the properties of the powder blend during the sampling.

A sampler for use in the control extraction of material samples from a flow stream of particulate material within a tubular conveyor. A powered extractor extends through a sample aperture body of the conveyor and when actuated will permit the periodic capture and discharge of particulate material samples of the controlled size from the flow stream to a sample discharge outlet outside of the conveyor. The powered extractor does not interfere with any material flow assistance device within the conveyor, and in operation of the conveyor, the extractor will capture periodic samples from the operating flow stream for discharge at the sample discharge outlet. The powered extractor could comprise an extractor fighting, extending into the flow stream and out through a discharge tube or might comprise a rotationally mounted extractor to adapted to permit periodic sampling during rotation of the tube.