Abstract

A method of operating an implement carrying tillage elements in an agricultural field includes traversing the field with the implement while the tillage elements engage soil of the field, detecting a tillage event based on an operating parameter, recording a location of the tillage event with at least one computer, stopping the implement within the field in response to the tillage event, and generating a first representation of the tillage elements engaged with the soil. The first representation is generated with information from at least one sensor. The tillage elements are lifted to disengage the tillage elements from the soil, and a second representation of the tillage elements disengaged from the soil is generated. The implement is backed rearward through the field with the tillage elements disengaged from the soil, and a third representation of a portion of the soil worked by the tillage elements is generated.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 76/00 - Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups
• B60R 11/04 - Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices

Abstract

A method includes calibrating a camera to detect a position of an implement relative to a tractor pulling the implement, traversing an agricultural field with the implement engaging soil of the field, capturing at least one image of the implement in the field by a camera carried by the tractor, and generating a first representation of a position of the implement relative to the field, using at least one computing device carried by the tractor. The calibration includes moving at least one of the tractor and the implement to each of a plurality of known positions, in series, relative to one another. At each of the known positions, at least one image of the implement is captured by the camera. Each of the known positions is correlated with the at least one image. The camera can alternatively be carried by the implement, and images of the tractor may be captured.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/04 - Special adaptations of automatic tractor steering, e.g. electric system for contour ploughing
• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• G06T 7/80 - Analysis of captured images to determine intrinsic or extrinsic camera parameters, i.e. camera calibration
• A01B 79/00 - Methods for working soil

Abstract

An agricultural implement includes a frame supporting a plurality of ground- engaging tools and a foldable marker assembly having a first marker arm coupled to the frame at a first pivot joint. The first marker arm is operable to pivot between an extended position extending laterally outward from the frame and a folded position at an acute angle relative to the frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 76/00 - Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups
• A01B 63/14 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors

Abstract

Described herein are control systems and methods for self-propelled windrowers and other types of agricultural dual-path machines that improve drive efficiency of the machines through automated control of propulsion, steering, or engine speed. In some embodiments, a control system improves drive efficiency by adjusting engine speed and pressure and flow of a hydraulic propulsion system. In such embodiments and others, a controller controls the engine speed and pressure and flow of the hydraulic propulsion system in left and right drive pumps and motors of the dual-path machine according to setpoints and adjustment factors. The adjustment factors in such examples and others are not allowed to exceed respective thresholds, such as a fixed percentage of a raw command, to prohibit immobilizing the machine while disabling or limiting the controller. The adjustment factors are based on feedback signals from various sensors of the machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 59/24 - Inputs being a function of torque or torque demand dependent on the throttle opening
• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• A01D 41/02 - Self-propelled combines
• B62D 11/04 - Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of separate power sources
• F16H 61/38 - Control of exclusively fluid gearing
• F16H 61/42 - Control of exclusively fluid gearing hydrostatic involving adjustment of a pump or motor with adjustable output or capacity

Abstract

A vehicle includes a chassis, ground-engaging elements configured to support the chassis, support assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground-engaging elements, adjustable axles configured to change a lateral distance from the chassis to each of the support assemblies, and a controller configured to move the chassis laterally along the axles without changing a track width between ground-engaging elements on opposing sides of the chassis. Disclosed methods may be used to remove and install application systems on the vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/02 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
• A01B 76/00 - Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups
• A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressure; Distributing mud; Adaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
• A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
• B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or s the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements

Abstract

A liquid distribution system for a crop sprayer having a laterally extendable boom includes a first product tank configured to contain a first liquid, one or more auxiliary product tank(s) configured to contain an additional liquid(s), a first fluid power source in fluid communication with the first product tank, a pressurized air source in fluid communication with the auxiliary product tank, at least one mixing valve carried by the boom, and at least one nozzle carried by the boom and configured to receive mixed liquid from the at least one mixing valve. The mixing valve(s) are configured to receive the first liquid and the additional liquid(s), and form the mixed liquid. Crop sprayers and related methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass

Abstract

An agricultural machine includes a cutting assembly configured to cut a crop material, a forming assembly comprising at least one of a swathboard or a forming shield, at least one actuator configured to change a position of the forming assembly, a sensor configured to detect a yield and a moisture content of the crop material, and a controller in communication with the at least one actuator, wherein the controller is configured to change an operating parameter of the agricultural machine responsive to the detected yield and moisture content. Related methods include propelling the agricultural machine through a field, cutting a crop material with the cutting assembly, detecting a yield and a moisture content of the crop material with the sensor, and changing an operating parameter of the agricultural machine responsive to the detected yield and moisture content.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/26 - Plates arranged behind the cutter-bar for guiding the cut grass or straw
• A01D 57/00 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground-engaging elements configured to support the chassis above a ground surface, and a plurality of support assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground-engaging elements. Each support assembly includes a height-adjustment actuator. A controller is configured to adjust the height-adjustment actuators independently of one another and transfer a load from a first ground-engaging element to other ground-engaging elements. A method of operating an agricultural vehicle includes receiving a command to transfer a load from a first ground-engaging element to other ground-engaging elements, adjusting at least one height-adjustment actuator, and transferring a load from the first ground-engaging element to the other ground-engaging elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60G 17/016 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or s the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
• B60G 3/01 - Resilient suspensions for a single wheel the wheel being mounted for sliding movement, e.g. in or on a vertical guide
• B60G 17/017 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or s the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their use when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. during loading, engine start-up or switch-off
• B62D 49/06 - Tractors adapted for multi-purpose use

Abstract

A liquid distribution system for a crop sprayer includes a product tank configured to contain a liquid, a pump in fluid communication with the product tank, a plurality of nozzles carried by a boom and configured to receive the liquid from the pump, a recirculation line connecting the plurality of nozzles to the product tank, and a bypass line connecting the pump to the product tank. The recirculation line includes an on/off valve configured to alternatively block or permit flow through the recirculation line. The bypass line includes a second on/off valve configured to alternatively block or permit flow through the bypass line. Related crop sprayers and methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass

Abstract

A crop monitoring system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense a stalk of a growing crop and generate a detection signal that is representative of the diameter of the stalk. A processor is configured to generate a nutrient status indicator from the detection signal. The nutrient status indicator may also depend partially on VOCs (volatile organic carbon compounds) released by the growing crop. A user interface device is configured to display the nutrient status indicator for use in a crop management system. Related methods are also disclosed, and may be used earlier than conventional nutrient inspection methods, for example, after maize plants have at least six leaves.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups

Abstract

A method includes cutting hay in an agricultural field, determining a mass of the hay, determining a moisture content of the hay, determining an ash content of the hay, calculating a corrected yield of the hay, and labeling the hay with an indicator of the corrected yield of the hay. The corrected yield is based on the mass, the moisture content, and the ash content of the hay.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop
• A01B 79/00 - Methods for working soil
• A01D 34/00 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters

Abstract

An agricultural machine includes a body configured to traverse a field, the body carrying tillage elements (106) configured to engage soil. At least one lift element (122) is configured to raise the tillage elements (106) above ground. A sensor is configured to detect a position of tillage elements (106) above the ground. A computing device (108) is configured to compare the detected position to a reference to detect damage to the agricultural machine. A method includes generating a first representation of tillage elements (106), traversing a field with the tillage elements (106) engaging soil of the field, raising the tillage elements (106) above ground to disengage the soil of the field, generating a second representation of the tillage elements (106) while the tillage elements (106) are above the ground, and comparing the second representation to the first representation to detect damage to the agricultural implement. Generating and comparing the representations are performed by at least one computing device (108).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 79/00 - Methods for working soil

Abstract

A method of storing information corresponding to crop material formed into a bale during a baling process for an aggregation of bales. Crop material is formed into a bale with the baler to obtain a formed bale. At least one parameter of the crop material or formed bale is detected with at least one crop sensor and/or bale sensor for the formed bale. The baler is provided with binding material from the binding material roll comprising identification tags at spaced intervals along the binding material. The formed bale is bound with the binding material using the knotter system such that an identification tag is applied to the bale to obtain a tagged bale. A bale ID is created for the tagged bale and the sensor parameter for the tagged bale is associated with the bale ID. Further crop material is formed into at least one additional bale with the baler to obtain at least one additional formed bale. The at least one additional formed bale is bound with the binding material such that an identification tag is not applied to the at least one additional formed bale to obtain at least one non-tagged bale. The at least one non-tagged bale is associated with the tagged bale and the tagged and non-tagged bales are formed into a bale aggregate.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 85/00 - Arrangements for making or setting stacks
• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/14 - Tying devices specially adapted for baling presses

Abstract

A chassis-height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering a chassis relative to a ground surface includes a plurality of support assemblies supporting a chassis on respective ground-engaging elements. Each support assembly has a height adjustment actuator. Each height position sensor senses an adjustment position one of the height adjustment actuators and generates a height signal. Each of the support assemblies may be mounted to the chassis by a track-width adjustment mechanism having a track-width adjustment actuator. The height adjustment system is controlled in a manner to synchronize each height adjustment actuator with the other actuators. Adjustment of one or more height adjustment actuators is slowed or stopped in the event that other actuators need to catch up. The track-width adjustment actuators may shift the position of the associated ground-engaging element laterally relative to the chassis to keep the ground-engaging elements from sliding laterally as the chassis height changes.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 49/06 - Tractors adapted for multi-purpose use

Abstract

A chassis-height adjustment system for an agricultural application machine includes support assemblies supporting a chassis on a ground-engaging elements, each having a height adjustment actuator. A canopy sensor is disposed to detect a crop canopy height relative to the chassis. The height adjustment actuators are automatically adjusted in response to the crop canopy height to maintain a desired clearance between the chassis and the crop canopy.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass

Abstract

An implement (102) for working an agricultural field includes a frame (103) and a plurality of row units (106) carried by the frame (103). Each row unit (106) includes a subframe (202) trailing the frame (103) and connected to the frame (103) by an upper link (204a) and a lower link (204b), at least two different ground-engaging tools (212, 214) carried by the subframe (202), and at least one pneumatic actuator (216) configured to change a length of the upper link (204a) or the lower link (204b) to keep the ground-engaging tools (212, 214) in contact with ground. A method includes pulling the implement (102) through the agricultural field, maintaining a selected pressure in the pneumatic actuator (216), and maintaining the ground-engaging tools (212, 214) in contact with the agricultural field.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01C 7/20 - Parts of seeders for conducting and depositing seed

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory comprising instructions, wherein the one or more processors are configured by the instructions to: receive first electromagnetic data at a plurality of frequencies; process the first electromagnetic data; and generate prediction parameters by passing the processed first electromagnetic data through a neural network trained on data corresponding to a synthetic training set, the prediction parameters corresponding to a container and contents located within the container.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
• G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves

Abstract

A knotter assembly (40) is operable to produce two successive knots (70,68) in a pair of strands of binding material during one full operating cycle of the knotter assembly to secure a formed bale. The knotter assembly includes a billhook (82) configured to perform at least a first full rotation around its rotation axis during formation of a first (70) of the knots and a second full rotation around its rotation axis (228) during formation of a second (68) of the knots. The knotter assembly includes a twine holder (87) and a cutter (94) co-operating with the twine holder (87) for severing the strands during formation of the first one of the successive knots. The knotter assembly (40) includes twine discs having a plurality of notches (200) spaced around the outer circumference, the plurality of notches (200) including a first set of notches having a first shape and a second set of notches having a second shape different than the first shape.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/14 - Tying devices specially adapted for baling presses

Abstract

An agricultural machine includes a cutting assembly, a forming assembly including a swathboard and/or a forming shield, at least one actuator, and a controller. The actuator is configured to change a position of the forming assembly. The controller is in communication with the actuator, and is configured to change the position of the forming assembly responsive to an expected or measured crop density. A method of operating an agricultural machine includes propelling an agricultural machine through a field and changing a position of the forming assembly based at least in part on an expected or measured crop density. The forming assembly may be adjusted to maintain an approximately constant windrow height or to produce windrows that are expected to be ready for baling or raking at the same time (e.g., after a period of drying).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/26 - Plates arranged behind the cutter-bar for guiding the cut grass or straw

Abstract

An agricultural machine has a capacitive sensor that includes a transmitter assembly having a signal driver, at least one guard driver, and at least one sensing circuit configured to detect an output of the signal driver. At least one sensing electrode is powered by the signal driver. A plurality of guard electrodes are powered by the guard driver. The guard electrodes are oriented such that a first electric field emanating from the sensing electrode is shaped at least in part by a second electric field emanating from a guard electrode. A method includes broadcasting a first electric field from a sensing electrode into a volume containing crop material, broadcasting a second electric field from a guard electrode, measuring an attribute related to the first electric field, and correlating the measured attribute related to the first electric field to an amount or distribution of the crop material in the volume.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
• A01D 41/00 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
• G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
• G01N 33/02 - Food

Abstract

A method of measuring a harvested crop includes measuring a first attribute of a first electric field in a first volume containing crop material, measuring a second attribute of a second electric field in a second volume containing crop material, and determining at least two different properties of the crop material based at least in part on the first attribute and the second attribute.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 43/08 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for cutting up the mown crop
• G01F 1/64 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by measuring electrical potential generated by the fluid flow, e.g. by electrochemical, contact, or friction effects
• G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance

Abstract

A row unit for a corn header includes gathering chains, deck plates below the gathering chains, and rotatable stalk rolls below the deck plates. The deck plates each have a first portion defining a curved front edge and a second portion defining a straight inner edge, and the first portion of the first deck plate is raised with respect to the second portion of the first deck plate. The inner edges of the deck plates together define an elongate channel, and the curved front edges of the deck plates together define a tapered entry to the elongate channel.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 69/06 - Gearings
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize
• A01D 57/22 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers for standing stalks

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating individual subunits of material incorporated into a bale and, based thereon, assigning a weighted average quality value to the overall bale. A baler receives, aggregates, compresses, shapes, and secures subunits of a plant material into a bale. An NIR testing system receives and analyzes near-infrared radiation reflected by the plant material, and generates subunit evaluation data reflecting properties of the material in the subunits. A computer receives and combines the subunit evaluation data to produce overall evaluation data reflecting properties of the bale, and assigns the overall evaluation data to the bale. Combining the subunit evaluation data includes assigning weights to the subunit evaluation data and then averaging the weighted subunit property values. Weighting may be based on the amount of time the NIR testing system is exposed to the material in each subunit, and the amount of time may be mechanically determined.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• G06Q 50/02 - Agriculture; Fishing; Mining

Abstract

A system and method for preparing a sample area of a bale in order to more accurately evaluate the plant material incorporated into the bale. A baler receives, compresses, shapes, and secures material into the bale. A cutter mechanism cuts a portion of the material in the bale into similarly-sized particles. A mixer mechanism mixes the particles into a homogenous aggregate. A compression mechanism compresses the homogenous aggregate into the bale. An NIR testing system receives and analyzes near-infrared radiation reflected by the homogenous aggregate, and generates evaluation data reflecting properties of the material. The cutter may include knives mounted in a compression chamber of the baler. The mixer may be a relief feature on a center rail, the compressor may be a projecting feature on the center rail, and an NIR sensor may be mounted to the center rail so as to press against the surface of the bale.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups

Abstract

A baler includes a near-infrared testing system configured to receive near-infrared radiation reflected by plant material in a bale and to analyze the near-infrared radiation and generate evaluation data reflecting one or more properties of the plant material. The near-infrared testing system is calibrated using a calibration sample at a calibration temperature. A temperature sensor measures a sample temperature of a crop sample of the plant material. A computer receives and combines the evaluation data of the plant material and a temperature-difference offset based on the difference in the sample temperature of the crop sample and the calibration temperature to produce overall temperature-compensated evaluation data reflecting one or more overall property values for the bale, and assign the overall temperature-compensated evaluation data to the at least one bale of the plurality of bales.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details

Abstract

A bale binding mechanism is configured to wrap twine around a bale. The bale binding mechanism broadly includes a baling needle, a drive shaft, a clutch, and a trip mechanism. A baler chassis presents a baling chamber in which the bale is formed. The baling needle is shiftable relative to the baling chamber to advance twine along an end of the bale. The drive shaft is supported by the chassis to power the needle. The clutch is shiftable between an engaged condition in which the clutch drivingly interconnects the drive shaft and the needle, and a disengaged condition in which the clutch prevents the drive shaft from driving the needle. The trip mechanism includes a trip cam, drive wheel, and a lockout device. The trip cam is shiftable between a trip condition associated with engagement of the clutch and a metering condition associated with disengagement of the clutch. The drive wheel is operable to shift the trip cam when in the metering condition. The trip cam is shiftable from the metering condition to the trip condition to engage the clutch when the bale is formed to a desired size. The lockout device removably engages the trip cam to restrict the metering cam from shifting into the trip condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/14 - Tying devices specially adapted for baling presses

Abstract

A tillage implement includes a frame, at least one sensor carried by the frame and configured to measure a property of soil, and at least one gang assembly carried by the frame and following the at least one sensor. Each gang assembly carries a plurality of disc blades. An adjustment mechanism is operable to change an operating parameter of the gang assembly responsive to the measured property of the soil. A method of working an agricultural field includes detecting a property of soil in the agricultural field using at least one sensor carried by a tillage implement and adjusting an operating parameter of at least one gang assembly carried by the tillage implement. The gang assembly follows the sensor as the tillage implement traverses the field. The operating parameter of the gang assembly is based at least in part on the property detected by the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/24 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame
• A01B 23/04 - Frames; Drawing-arrangements
• A01B 49/04 - Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools
• A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
• A01B 63/16 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame

Abstract

A cutting tool for a harvesting header includes a longitudinal member having a straight portion with a non-round cross-section, a hook coupled to the longitudinal member and configured to secure the longitudinal member to a divider of a harvesting header, and a cutting blade extending from the longitudinal member. A harvesting header for use with a crop-harvesting machine includes a header frame structured to be coupled to the crop-harvesting machine, a divider at an end of the header frame, and a cutting tool carried by the divider. The divider defines a tube therein, and the longitudinal member of the cutting tool is disposed at least partially within the tube. A method of preparing a harvesting header includes sliding a longitudinal member of a cutting tool into a tube within a divider, and engaging a hook to secure the longitudinal member to the tube.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/23 - Cutting apparatus with additional vertical cutter-bar
• A01D 45/00 - Harvesting of standing crops
• A01D 63/00 - Outside dividers
• A01D 63/02 - Rotating dividers
• A01D 63/04 - Non-rotating dividers

Abstract

A tillage implement includes a frame, a first sensor coupled to the frame and configured to measure an orientation of the frame, a shank engaged with the frame and carrying a tilling tool, and a second sensor coupled to the shank or the tilling tool and configured to measure an orientation of the tilling tool. A system for working a field includes a tillage implement and a tractor drawing the tillage implement. The tractor may include a computer configured to receive information from the first sensor and the second sensor and control an operating parameter of the tillage implement. Related methods and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 33/16 - Tilling implements with rotary driven tools with special additional arrangements
• A01B 33/08 - Tilling implements with rotary driven tools - Details, e.g. adaptations of transmissions or gearings
• A01B 71/00 - Construction or arrangement of setting or adjusting mechanisms, of implement or tool drive or of power take-off; Means for protecting parts against dust, or the like; Adapting machine elements to or for agricultural purposes

Abstract

A reel for a harvesting header has a tine paddle mounted to a tine so as to engage the crop materials as the tine rakes through the crop materials. The tine paddle has a collar portion for at least partially wrapping around a tine tube to which the tine is mounted and an elongate plate member with a distal end spaced inwardly from the outer finger tip of the tine to which the at least one paddle is mounted. One side of the plate member has first and second detents arranged to partially wrap around and engage the finger to hold the tine paddle on the tine. Each detent has an inwardly extending catch that is received in a notch in a side portion of the finger.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/02 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels

Abstract

In one embodiment, a washer assembly, comprising: plural washers adjacent each other, each having a tab and a tapered body of a defined angle, wherein relative adjustment of the tabs corresponds to a composite angle range from zero to twice the defined angle.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16B 43/02 - Washers or equivalent devices; Other devices for supporting bolt-heads or nuts with special provisions for engaging surfaces which are not perpendicular to a bolt axis or do not surround the bolt

Abstract

A harvesting header (100) includes a header frame (102, 104, 106, 108) structured to be coupled to the crop-harvesting machine (1), a hydraulic pump (160) carried by the header frame, at least one tool (204) carried by the header frame, a hydraulic fluid loop (200) carried by the header frame, a fluid inlet (216) structured to receive hydraulic fluid from the crop-harvesting machine, and a fluid outlet (222) structured to deliver hydraulic fluid to the crop-harvesting machine. The hydraulic fluid loop is structured to circulate hydraulic fluid within the header from the hydraulic pump to the tool(s) and back to the hydraulic pump. Related methods of operating a harvesting header and a non-transitory computer-readable media (1402) are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system, comprising: an interface configured to receive input defining a target windrow; a windrower comprising a windrow forming assembly configured to form a windrow; one or more sensors; and a computing system configured to control formation of the windrow according to the target windrow based on the input and further based on input from the one or more sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines

Abstract

A system having a frame, an auger operably coupled to the frame, an auger wrapper fixed to the frame and proximal to the auger, the auger wrapper having a curved surface with a first rigidity, and a liner attached to the auger wrapper, the liner comprising a second rigidity that is less rigid than the first rigidity.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 57/06 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using endless conveyors
• B65G 45/20 - Cleaning devices comprising screws

Abstract

A system (42) and computer-implemented method for sensing an amount of ash in cut crop material and automatically adjusting an operating parameter of a mower conditioner to optimize the amount of ash. A sensor (50) measures an measured ash content value of the crop material after it is cut, a processor (48) compares the actual value to a threshold value, and if the actual value exceeds the threshold value, automatically adjusts an operating parameter, such as a height, angle, or speed at which the crop material is cut, a float pressure of the header (12), or a ground speed of the machine (10). Other sensors (64) may measure a roughness of the cut, an excessive stubble height, or other data relevant to optimizing quality, which may also result in adjustments to the operating parameters. The processor (48) may consider an operator-selectable value weighting the measured ash content versus a speed of operation when adjusting the operating parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/08 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for cutting up the mown crop

Abstract

A tillage implement (10) has a frame (12) with a center section (14) and first and second outer wing sections (16) hingedly attached to respective outer ends of the center section (14). Controlling a pressure in a secondary side (82) of a hydraulic circuit (60, 80) enables adjustment of the downward pressure precharge provided by hydraulic cylinders (50A) based on a desired stiffness of the implement (10) Flow from a hydraulic supply (70) through a pressure reducing valve (80) and puts the downward pressure precharge on gauge wheels (42A). Once this desired downward pressure precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply (70) is shut off and a blocking valve (90) holds the pressure such that the hydraulic cylinders (50A) hold the gauge wheels (42A) in the desired position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/22 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 63/16 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame
• A01B 21/08 - Harrows with rotary non-driven tools with disc-like tools
• A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis

Abstract

A tillage implement (10) has a frame (12) with a center section (14) and first and second outer wing sections (16) hingedly attached the center section (14) such that the wing sections (16) can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections (14) each carry tillage tools (40) for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side (82) of the hydraulic circuit (60, 74) enables the operator of the implement (10) to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (72A, 72B) based on a desired stiffness of the implement (10). A pressure reducing valve (80) is used to command flow from the hydraulic supply (76) and put downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools (40). Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply (76) is shut off and the blocking valve (90) holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (72A, 72B) holds the tillage tools (40) in position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/16 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame
• A01B 63/22 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 21/08 - Harrows with rotary non-driven tools with disc-like tools
• A01B 49/02 - Combined machines with two or more soil-working tools of different kind
• A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis

Abstract

There is disclosed a tensioning bar assembly (111) for a tensioning assembly (101) of a drive system (60) of an agricultural machine, having: A longitudinal bar (102) having a longitudinal axis (102x), a top end (102t) and a bottom end (102b) and a threaded portion (102a) over at least a portion of the bar; An attachment device (103) coupled to the top end of the longitudinal bar for attaching the top end of the bar to a tensioning arm (41); A compression spring (4s) having first (6b) and second (6t) ends, said spring located around a portion of the longitudinal bar; A first spring retainer (4b) for engaging with and retaining the first end (6b) of the spring; A first locking nut (5a) for fitting to the threaded portion (102a) of the bar and for retaining the first spring retainer longitudinally in place relative to the bar; wherein the longitudinal bar is rotationally freely coupled to the attachment device (103) such as to permit free axial rotation of the bar about the longitudinal axis (102x) relative to the attachment device, and there is further provided an engagement head (102h, 302h) attached to and located at or proximate the bottom end (102b) of the longitudinal bar (102), said engagement head for engagement with a tool.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
• F16H 7/12 - Means for varying tension of belts, ropes, or chains by adjusting the axis of a pulley of an idle pulley

Abstract

An agricultural applicator machine has a frame and at least one horizontally-extending boom assembly. The boom assembly pivots to a folded position in which it is secured in a boom cradle mechanism. The boom cradle mechanism includes a crossmember and a boom rest at an outer end of the crossmember, the boom rest having a rigid inboard boom stop and a rigid outboard boom stop and a saddle portion, wherein the inboard boom stop extends from the saddle portion in an out of phase configuration relative the outboard boom stop. The boom cradle mechanism has a locking assembly having an actuator assembly configured to rotate the crossmember, and thus the cradle boom rest. The actuator assembly connects to the crossmember through a linkage assembly. The actuator assembly causes the crossmember to rotate causing the boom rest to move between an open position and a locked position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass

Abstract

A system and computer-implemented method for sensing an amount of free water in cut crop material and automatically adjusting an operating parameter of a mower conditioner to optimize the amount of free water. A sensor located at the exit of a conditioning mechanism measures an actual free water content value of the material as it exits the conditioning mechanism, a processor compares the actual value to maximum and minimum values, and if the actual value is outside this range, automatically adjusts an operating parameter, such as a gap between pairs of conditioning rollers, a pressure exerted by the rollers, or a speed of the mower conditioner, to optimize the actual value. Another sensor may be located at the entrance of the conditioning mechanism. The processor may take into account an operator-selectable value weighting the actual free water content versus a dry down time when adjusting the operating parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop
• A01D 82/00 - Crop conditioners, i.e. machines for crushing or bruising stalks

Abstract

A swathboard control system, comprising: a header comprising a cutting assembly and a conditioning system aft of the cutting assembly; a forming shield assembly aft of the conditioning system; a swathboard located between the conditioning system and the forming shield assembly, the swathboard pivotably adjustable about a transverse axis; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the swathboard; a computing system operably coupled to the position sensor, the computing system configured to provide an indication of the position of the swathboard based on feedback from the position sensor: and an actuator operably coupled to the swathboard, wherein the computing system is further configured to receive an indication corresponding to a change in tilt of the header and automatically control the position of the swathboard based on the received tilt indication and the feedback from the position sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01B 71/02 - Setting or adjusting mechanisms
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers

Abstract

In one embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle cab, the suspension system comprising: a structural assembly; a cab mounted to the structural assembly; and plural suspension units arranged between the cab and the structural assembly, the plural suspension units comprising, fore and aft, a first pair of suspension units and a second pair of suspension units, wherein a lateral distance between the second pair of suspension units is greater than a lateral distance between the first pair of suspension units.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 24/04 - Vehicle body mounted on resilient suspension for movement relative to the vehicle frame
• B60G 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• B62D 33/063 - Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other
• E02F 9/16 - Cabins, platforms, or the like for the driver

Abstract

In one embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle cab, the suspension system comprising: a structural assembly; a cab mounted to the structural assembly; a front axle coupled to the structural assembly; plural suspension units arranged forward of the axle and disposed between the cab and the structural assembly; and plural isolation mounts arranged rearward of the axle and disposed between the cab and the structural assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 24/04 - Vehicle body mounted on resilient suspension for movement relative to the vehicle frame
• B60G 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• B62D 33/063 - Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other
• E02F 9/16 - Cabins, platforms, or the like for the driver

Abstract

A binding material for binding a bale (14) of crop material has bale (14) identification tags (62) used to identify properties of the bale (14) that is bound by the binding material. The binding material (52) includes at least one strand of a non-identifying filament and one strand of an identifying filament incorporating the identification tag (62). The non-identifying filament and the identifying filament are wound together before the binding material (52) is used to bind the bale. The identifying filament has an RFID inlay having conducting wires of an antenna connected to an RFID chip, with the length of the inlay between 10 and 24 cm. The RFID inlay comprises a segment of the identifying filament with adjacent RFID inlays spaced along the identifying filament at a desired interval. The identifying strand incorporating the RFID inlay is wound during a binding material production process with the at least one non-identifying filament into a single twine strand.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/07 - Rotobalers, i.e. machines for forming cylindrical bales by winding and pressing

Abstract

A bale identification assembly for use with an agricultural baler (18) includes a first supply roll mounted on the baler providing a binding material (52) used by the knotter system to bind the formed bale, the binding material (52) on the first supply roll comprising identification tags (62) at spaced intervals along the binding material. The bale identification assembly includes a second supply roll mounted on the baler (18) providing a binding material without identification tags, wherein the knotter system combines the binding material with identification tags (62) from the first supply roll with the binding material without identification tags from the second supply roll to bind the formed bale. The bale identification assembly includes a read module with one or more antennas configured to transmit interrogator signals and also receive authentication replies from the identification tags (62).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details

Abstract

A bale identification assembly includes binding material (52) used by a knotter system to bind a formed bale (14), the binding material (52) comprising identification tags (62) at spaced intervals along the binding material. A read module (66) transmits interrogator signals and also receives authentication replies from the identification tags. A position sensor is used to predict passage of identification tags (62) through the knotter mechanism and a bale length sensor provides a signal representing bale length. A controller receives signals from the bale length sensor and the position sensor and generates a signal to alter the length of the bale (14) by causing an additional flake to be added to the bale by the plunger (34) or the bale to be finished with fewer flakes to prevent the knotter system from tying a knot in the binding material such that the identification tag is positioned in a portion of the binding material used to form the knot.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details

Abstract

In one embodiment, an implement comprising a center section and a pair of wing sections, each of the sections comprising a pair of parallel frame members pivotably coupled to each other, wherein one of the frame members comprises a toolbar; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders enabling rotational movement between the parallel frame members, wherein the hydraulic cylinders of the wing sections comprise double rod cylinders and the hydraulic cylinders of the center section comprises single rod cylinders.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width

Abstract

In one embodiment, a frame member; a toolbar coupled to the frame member, the toolbar parallel to, and rearward of, the frame member; a row unit coupled to the toolbar; and an actuator coupled between the frame member and the toolbar, the actuator configured to rotate the toolbar based on a sensed position of the toolbar.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/114 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements to achieve a constant working depth
• A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means

Abstract

A baler (10) has a stuffer chute assembly (22) with upper and lower curved walls (44, 46) forming a stuffer chamber (24). A rear portion (54) of the upper wall (44) extends downwardly and forwardly from a baling chamber (12) and a forward portion (50) extends above an inlet opening to the stuffer chamber (24). The upper wall (44) has a plurality of laterally spaced-apart wrappers (52, 56), with adjacent wrappers forming slots (70, 72) extending generally from said crop receiving inlet opening to an outlet opening (48) for cooperation with tines (40) of a feeding mechanism (36). The wrappers (52, 56) are movable relative to the lower wall (46) at a forward end (60) and at a rearward end (66) of the upper wall (44) so as to change a cross-sectional dimension of the stuffer chamber (24). The baler (10) has a forward wall adjusting mechanism (80) for setting a forward end (60) of the upper wall (44) in a predetermined position, and a rear wall adjusting mechanism (110) for setting a rear end (66) of the upper wall (44).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/10 - Feeding devices for the crop material

Abstract

In one embodiment, a machine, comprising: a chassis supporting a hydraulic float assembly, the hydraulic float assembly comprising first plural cylinders and a first control component; a header coupled to the hydraulic float assembly, the header comprising: a frame comprising processing components on an upper side of the frame and plural skid plates on a lower side of the frame, the plural skid plates adjustably coupled to the frame via respective second plural cylinders; and a controller configured to: receive a first input; and provide a first signal to a second control component coupled to the second plural cylinders based on the first input, the second control component configured to adjust fluid flow through the second plural cylinders based on the first signal, the second plural cylinders causing adjustment of a position of the plural skid plates based on the adjusted fluid flow.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

In one embodiment, a variable width twine disc assembly, comprising: a fixed assembly comprising a first disc (24) having notches spaced along a periphery of the first disc (24) and a shaft (28); and a second disc (22) having notches spaced along a periphery of the second disc (22) and configured to be moveably adjusted along the shaft (28).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/14 - Tying devices specially adapted for baling presses

Abstract

A windrower includes a header having a crop cutting and a crop conditioning mechanism for conditioning crop material severed from the field and for discharging the conditioned material in a rearwardly directed stream as the windrower moves across the field. The windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from the crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower when in an operation position or to direct the crop material to the ground beneath the windrower when in a nonoperational position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 57/00 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

A gang assembly of a tillage implement has disc blades suspended from a support bar with a disc hanger assembly. A disc adjustment mechanism is configured to pivotably attach the disc hanger assembly for each of the plurality of disc blades to the support bar. The disc adjustment mechanism includes a pivot mount for each of the plurality of disc blades. Each pivot mount has a pivot configured to pivot the pivot mount, a first arm connected to the disc hanger assembly, and a crank arm. A shuttle is attached to the crank arms and causes each pivot mount to pivot and adjust the disc angle of the associated disc blade. The disc hanger assembly is configured to position the disc blade such that a vertical center line of the disc blade extends through the pivot point of the pivot.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 21/08 - Harrows with rotary non-driven tools with disc-like tools

Abstract

A disc harrow implement has gang assemblies each having aligned disc gangs carried by a support bar. Each disc gang has disc blades spaced along an axis of the disc gang. The disc gangs of each gang assembly are coaxially aligned to create a line of substantially equally spaced disc blades. A plugging detection system alerts an operator if any disc gangs are rotating at a rotational speed that is slower than rotational speeds of the remaining disc gangs. The plugging detection system includes a gang rotation sensor for each of disc gangs. Each gang rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the connected disc gang. A control module compares the rotational speed of each disc gang to the rotational speed of the disc gangs and generates an output that indicates when a disc gang is rotating more slowly that the other disc gangs.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 21/08 - Harrows with rotary non-driven tools with disc-like tools

Abstract

There is described a combine harvester comprising a grain bin having a grain volume monitoring system. The grain volume monitoring system has at least one image capture device which monitors the level of grain in the grain bin, such that a calculation of the volume of grain in the grain bin can be determined. In particular, the image capture device monitors the height of sections of the grain pile, as well as the angle of repose of the grain pile, which are used to calculate the contained volume of grain. The calculated volume can be compared with pre-set volume limits to prevent spillage of grain when driving on an incline or over uneven terrain.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 12/60 - Grain tanks
• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines

Abstract

There is described a grain level sensor system for a grain bin. The grain level sensor system has a floater which is arranged to sit on top of the level of grain in the grain bin. The floater is coupled with the outlet of a grain conveyor such that the height of the grain level in the bin can be calculated based at least in part by measuring the height of the floater above the conveyor outlet. Accordingly, the peak height of grain in the grain bin can be determined.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 12/60 - Grain tanks
• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines

Abstract

A windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from a crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower, the crop merger attachment being mounted for adjusting movement between a lowered and a raised position. The windrower has a swathboard mounted for adjusting movement between a fully raised position in which the crop material passes beneath the swathboard for engagement with the merger attachment and a lowered position in which the crop material down to the ground under the merger attachment under the windrower. A control system automatically adjusts movement of the swathboard when movement of the merger attachment is detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/00 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines

Abstract

A drawbar assembly for coupling a drawbar to a tongue of a towed implement includes a drawbar pin and a drawbar clevis having a bore configured to receive the drawbar pin. A locking plate is coupled to the drawbar clevis and movable between a pin-locked position in which the locking plate is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the bore, and a pin-unlock condition. An ejector mechanism is configured to dislodge the drawbar pin from the bore.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/02 - Bolt or shackle-type couplings
• B60D 1/28 - Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances

Abstract

In a grain unloading system for a combine harvester (10) a grain bin (16) comprises a frame (24), the frame comprising a floor with a trough (34,36) disposed therein. An unloading auger (38,40) is disposed at least partially within the trough. An auger cover (46,48) at least partially covers the auger. The auger cover comprises a hat (80,82) for a top portion of the auger cover and a pair of gates (76,78) movable between the hat and locations on the floor that are proximal to the trough. A gate adjustment structure (70A) is coupled to the pair of gates (76) to move the pair of gates relative to the auger. A control system (130) is coupled to the gate adjustment structure and configured to control the gate adjustment structure.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines
• A01F 25/14 - Containers specially adapted for storing
• B65G 67/24 - Unloading land vehicles

Abstract

A harvesting header has an outer impeller fixed to an outermost outboard cutter for rotation therewith to convey cut crop material laterally inwardly toward the center of the header. The outer impeller has a lower disc member forming the bottom of an impeller cage and an upper stationary grass ring. An intermediate impeller is located between the axes of rotation of the two outboard cutters, wherein the intermediate cage-like impeller is suspended on the harvesting header above the cutting plane and not fixed to any of the cutters and rotates in the same direction as the outboard impeller. The outboard and intermediate impellers have a plurality of crop conveying discs, wherein the crop conveying discs on the outboard impeller are offset vertically and overlap horizontally with the crop conveying discs on the intermediate impeller to form an intermeshing region between the two impellers.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/66 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters
• A01D 34/76 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A tillage implement has a gang of rotary spider tines, each spider tine having a center portion and a plurality of teeth forming a peripheral edge of the spider tine. Each tooth is rearwardly curving from the intended direction of rotation and has a curved leading edge and a curved trailing edge that taper to a rounded outward tip. A distal end of each tooth is angled relative to a tooth base to form a flared paddle such that the flared paddle is angled with respect to the tooth base and center portion of the spider tine. A first set of teeth have flared paddles angled in a first direction and a second set have flared paddles angled in a direction opposite said first direction, with the first set being alternately positioned with the second set in a circumferential pattern around the peripheral edge of the spider tine.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 33/10 - Structural or functional features of the tools
• A01B 33/02 - Tilling implements with rotary driven tools with tools on horizontal shaft transverse to direction of travel

Abstract

A harvesting header has a crop conveying element fixed to an outboard cutter of a cutter bed. The crop conveying element includes at least one slinger attached to an upstanding spacer to space the slinger apart from a top wall of the cutter. The slinger includes a flat disc with a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a central portion thereof and the spacer is shorter than an outer impeller such that a top extremity of the slinger is spaced below an upper level of an outer impeller. The spacer is also smaller in diameter than the outer impeller so as to provide a space below the slinger allow flow of the crop material over the second outboard cutter, the space between the top wall of the cutter and the slinger being at least half of the height between a lower disc member and upper stationary grass ring of the outer impeller.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/66 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters
• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A baling system for baling crop material includes a baling chamber. Moveable doors partly define the chamber and the shape of the bale. Hydraulic tension cylinders extend and retract to apply a force to the moveable doors and the growing bale, and transducers measure the lengths of the tension cylinders. An electronic control unit receives the lengths from the transducers, and communicates via a display at least a relative difference between the lengths for consideration in steering the baling system. In particular, the lengths being equal indicates the growing bale is substantially straight and the baling system should be steered straight, and the lengths being unequal indicates the growing bale is developing a curvature and the baling system should be steered in the direction of the cylinder having the shorter length. The transducers may be located external or internal to the cylinders, and may measure the lengths continuously or periodically.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/04 - Plunger presses

Abstract

An agricultural work vehicle is operable to be advanced along the ground to sever a swath of standing forage plants and to lay the severed forage material into a windrow. The agricultural work vehicle includes a powered chassis, a harvesting header, and a quick-attachment header adapter. The header adapter is shiftably supported by the powered chassis and is configured to selectively support the harvesting header. The header adapter includes an adapter frame, having end supports and a center support, and a selectively actuatable latch assembly supported on the adapter frame. The latch assembly is associated with at least one of the supports to releasably secure the harvesting header to the adapter frame when the latch assembly is engaged and permit disconnection from the adapter frame when the latch assembly is disengaged.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/16 - Devices for coupling mowing tables to conveyors
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

An electric motor addressing system and method for a planter implement receives, at an electronic control unit (ECU), an address claim request from each motor of a plurality of motors coupled to the ECU via a first bus. Each address claim request includes a requested bus address and a binary value corresponding to a pin connector setting associated with a harness connector of the respective motor. The system associates the binary value with a physical address for each motor without reference to the bus address and maps each bus address to the physical address.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
• H04L 61/5038 - Address allocation for local use, e.g. in LAN or USB networks, or in a controller area network [CAN]
• A01C 7/00 - Sowing
• A01G 7/00 - Botany in general
• H04L 12/413 - Bus networks with decentralised control with random access, e.g. carrier-sense multiple-access with collision detection (CSMA-CD)

Abstract

A system for ejecting a bale from a baler, wherein the ejection process is controlled by a control unit (58) with input from various sensors and from a remote operator located on a tractor. The control unit automatically positions a chute (44), controls a power take-off from the tractor, depressurizes and opens a chamber door 72), ties the bale, selects and causes ejector teeth (40) to project into a forming chamber to engage the bale, causes the ejector teeth to move toward a discharge outlet (70) such that the engaged bale moves with them toward and through the discharge outlet, and determines when the bale has fully ejected from the baler. The remote operator may choose to eject only the bale or to eject the entire contents of the forming chamber, and if the former, the control unit determines the bale's length and selects a subset of the ejector teeth that corresponds to that length.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• B30B 9/30 - Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for baling; Compression boxes therefor

Abstract

A baling system acts at shut-down to automatically pre-position a plunger (34) so that it is just past a rear-dead-center position when the baler (18) is restarted, thereby minimizing the load on a power take-off during the next restart. In particular, when the power take-off is deactivated, a control unit automatically brakes the power take-off so that the plunger (34) stops in the desired position. Alternatively, the baling system acts at restart-up to automatically repeatedly activate and deactivate the power take-off in order to accelerate the plunger (34) to a predetermined minimum operating speed before activating the power take-off for continuous operation, thereby maximizing a flywheel's (38) momentum during the restart.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/04 - Plunger presses

Abstract

Abstract A baling system acts at shut-down to automatically pre-position a plunger (34) so that it is just past a rear-dead-center position when the baler (18) is restarted, thereby minimizing the load on a power take-off during the next restart. In particular, when the power take-off is deactivated, a control unit automatically brakes the power take-off so that the plunger (34) stops in the desired position. Alternatively, the baling system acts at restart-up to automatically repeatedly activate and deactivate the power take-off in order to accelerate the plunger (34) to a predetermined minimum operating speed before activating the power take- off for continuous operation, thereby maximizing a flywheel's (38) momentum during the restart. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-10-13 _

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/04 - Plunger presses

Abstract

A system for ejecting a bale from a baler, wherein the ejection process is controlled by a control unit (58) with input from various sensors and from a remote operator located on a tractor. The control unit automatically positions a chute (44), controls a power take-off (26) from the tractor, depressurizes and opens a chamber door (72), ties the bale, selects and causes ejector teeth (40) to project into a forming chamber to engage the bale, causes the ejector teeth to move toward a discharge outlet (70) such that the engaged bale moves with them toward and through the discharge outlet, and determines when the bale has fully ejected from the baler. The remote operator may choose to eject only the bale or to eject the entire contents of the forming chamber, and if the former, the control unit determines the bale's length and selects a subset of the ejector teeth that corresponds to that length.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
• A01F 15/04 - Plunger presses
• B30B 9/30 - Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for baling; Compression boxes therefor

Abstract

A pull-type mower conditioner (10) includes a crop cutting assembly (16) that severs crop material from the ground and a lift mechanism (24) configured to raise and lower the crop cutting assembly to a desired height having at least one lift cylinder (26) and a hydraulic lift circuit (28) supplying hydraulic fluid to the at least one lift cylinder. The mower conditioner also includes a conditioning mechanism (22) receiving the severed crop material from the crop cutting assembly. The conditioning mechanism includes a pair of counter-rotating conditioning rolls (30,32) to condition the crop material and a tensioning assembly (42) that urges the conditioning rolls relatively toward one another and resists their separation. The tensioning assembly includes a pair of hydraulic tension cylinders (52,54) and a hydraulic conditioner circuit (70) configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the tension cylinders. The hydraulic tension circuit has a supply line (72) leading to a supply valve (74), wherein the supply line connects to the lift circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop
• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing

Abstract

A drawbar hitch mechanism has a fore-and-aft extending receiver, a gearbox assembly coupled to the receiver and a tongue assembly attached to the gearbox assembly. A first pivot mechanism couples the receiver with the gearbox assembly for side-to-side movement about a longitudinal axis of the receiver. A draft arm is configured to disperse draft loads between the tongue assembly and the receiver. A second pivot mechanism couples the gearbox assembly and the draft arm. The second pivot mechanism is oriented such that it pivots about an upright axis such that the gearbox assembly and second pivot mechanism enable pivoting movement of the tongue assembly relative the receiver.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 59/00 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
• B60D 1/14 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type

Abstract

In one embodiment, a combine harvester feeder house assembly (46), comprising: a feeder house (12)comprising an inlet end (50); a tilt frame (44) surrounding the inlet end and in pivotal arrangement relative to the feeder house; a gearbox (60) attached to the tilt frame (44); and a first dog clutch (54) operably coupled to the gearbox (60).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/16 - Devices for coupling mowing tables to conveyors

Abstract

A windrower has a first dual-path steering mode, causing a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel to concurrently rotate, wherein the rotation of the left drive wheel is in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the right drive wheel and the position of tailwheel casters are not controlled but are permitted unconstrained rotation. The windrower also has a second tailwheel steering mode non-overlapping in operation with the dual-path steering mode, causing the left drive wheel and the right drive wheel to rotate concurrently in only a same direction and the tailwheel casters are steered based in part on tailwheel caster steer position information received from a sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track

Abstract

A windrower (10) has a hydrostatic header drive system (26) with a header drive pump (36) and one or more header drive motors (32, 34). The windrower also has a chassis (12) with wheels (14) coupled thereto, an engine (40), and a ground drive system (28) coupled to the wheels and the engine. A control system (24) has plural sensors having first, second, and third sensors, wherein the first sensor (60) monitors engine load, the second sensor (56) monitors hydrostatic header drive pressure, and the third sensor (58) monitors ground speed. The control system has one or more controllers (30) configured to receive input from the plural sensors, compare the input with respective target values for engine load, header drive pressure, and ground speed throughout a range of ground speeds defined based on an operator configured maximum ground speed, and automatically adjust the ground speed based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A system (10) conveying material-other-than-grain (MOG) from a harvesting machine (12) to a packaging machine (14) towed by the harvesting machine. The system includes an joint (32) pivotably joining a harvesting machine hitch (34) to a packaging machine hitch (16). An accelerator (20) is mounted to the packaging machine hitch (16). The accelerator (20) has a housing (24) with a top-side inlet (26) and a side outlet (28). A MOG-propelling disk (36) is disposed in the housing (24) and is rotatable about an axis (38). A conduit (22) is disposed above the packaging machine hitch (16) and has an inlet end (30) and an outlet end (54), the inlet end (30) coupled to the side outlet (28). The conduit has first and second opposing side portions (60, 62) and a top side portion (64) without an opposing bottom portion, with at least part of the top side portion is parallel with the plane of the disk (36). The accelerator (20), conduit (22), and packaging machine (14) are collectively in pivotal arrangement relative to the harvesting machine (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01F 15/10 - Feeding devices for the crop material
• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method comprising moving a corn row divider assembly of a corn header forwardly and upwardly from an operational configuration of the corn row divider assembly, the corn row divider assembly comprising a snout hingeably coupled to a gatherer hood; collapsing the snout relative to the gatherer hood; and moving the collapsed snout and gatherer hood rearward to a non-operational configuration.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle has a CDA nozzle cone having a first axis of rotation in a first position and, after adjustment, a second axis of rotation in a second position orthogonal to the first. A rotationally adjustable directional shroud surrounds at least a portion of the cone, the directional shroud blocking at least a portion of a lip of the cone regardless of whether the cone is positioned in the first or second axis of rotation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05B 1/20 - Perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms; Outlet elements therefor
• B05B 1/28 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with integral means for catching drips or collecting surplus liquid or other fluent material
• B05B 3/10 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements discharging over substantially the whole periphery of the rotating member

Abstract

A flexible frame for a high clearance agricultural vehicle has left and right frame rails, an axle suspended beneath the frame rails, and a suspension system coupling the axle to the frame rails. Left and right vertical mounts are coupled to the frame rails. Upper and lower torque rods couple the axle to the vertical mounts with brackets. The suspension system also has a cross torque rod having a left end coupled to an inward facing bracket on the left vertical mount and a right end coupled to an inward facing bracket on the right vertical mount. Each of the upper, lower and cross torque rods are coupled to its respective torque rod brackets with rotatable joints. The rotatable joint permits angular rotation of the torque rod about its torque rod bracket.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/12 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices - Details of combines

Abstract

In one embodiment, a header control method for an agricultural machine, the method comprising receiving, through a graphical user interface, operator input corresponding to a first set point and a second set point for flotation pressures corresponding to independently controllable first and second header portions, respectively; and automatically causing first and second sets of hydraulic valves to increase or decrease pressure to the first or second header portions to meet or at least approximate the first and second set points, the first and second sets each comprising opposing-action hydraulic valves, the causing responsive to sensed pressure at respective first and second accumulators associated with respective first and second float cylinders.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 75/00 - Accessories for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are operated at different speeds relative to one another. In one embodiment one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other is an idler roll.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing there between downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A duplex hinge (40) having two pivot points (P1, P2). In one embodiment, the hinge is used between sections (14, 16, 18, 20) of multi - sectional farm implements (10) to allow flex during field operations as well as folding for road transport. One pivot point (P1) is active both when folding and during field operations. The other pivot point (P2) is active during field operations but rigid while folding for road transport.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis

Abstract

A rotary cutter assembly has a spindle journaled by a bearing assembly. A cutter mounting member is fixed to the spindle for rotation therewith and has an outermost annular skirt that flares radially outwardly and downwardly to a lowermost peripheral edge. The bearing housing that supports the bearing has an upstanding rib that surrounds the lower peripheral edge of the mounting member and projects upwardly beyond the same for a short distance. This overlapping relationship between the rib and the lower skirt periphery prevents the ingress of foreign materials into close proximity with the bearing assembly to thereby prolong its useful life.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/66 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters

Abstract

A draper assembly for a harvesting machine which includes a center fore-and- aft draper (54) that delivers crop material rearwardly to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers (52) that deliver crop material laterally to the center draper. The draper assembly (5) is supported on a header frame (42) behind a cutterbar assembly to flex therewith and thereby follow uneven terrain. The side drapers (52) present opposite laterally outermost margins of the draper assembly, with an outermost one of a plurality of laterally spaced support arms (46) being located adjacent each of the end margins. Each of a pair of end crop dividers (146) is each mounted on a respective one of the outermost support arms (46) so that the divider swings with the respective outermost support arm as the flexible cutterbar assembly (48) flexes.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A draper assembly for harvesting machine header includes a center fore-and-aft draper (54) that delivers crop material rearwardly to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers (52) that deliver crop material laterally to the center draper. The fore-and-aft includes a draper frame (244,252,256) and a draper belt (250) supported on the draper frame to present an upper rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. A crop material deflector (284) is attached relative to the draper frame in front of the draper belt (250). The deflector (284) extends in the fore-and-aft direction from in front of the draper belt (250) to a location over the draper belt, with the deflector operable to restrict severed crop delivered from each of the side drapers (52) from flowing to the other side drapers.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A harvesting header (4) having a header frame, a flexible laterally extending cutterbar assembly (48) mounted thereto for flexing along its length in response to changes in terrain; and a draper assembly supported on the header frame behind the cutterbar assembly to flex therewith. The draper assembly includes a pair of side drapers (52) and a fore- and-aft draper (54) therebetween. The fore-and-aft draper includes a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot to project forwardly therefrom. The draper frame has a forward margin coupled to the cutterbar assembly to cause it to swing relative to the header frame as the cutterbar assembly flexes. The fore-and-aft draper includes a counterbalance mechanism (260) coupled between the header and draper frames to counteract the weight of the fore-and-aft draper about the pivot to reduce the load of the fore-and-aft draper on the cutterbar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A cutterbar assembly (48) and draper assembly (50) for a harvesting machine having a harvesting header which are operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. A fore-and-aft draper includes a draper frame (244,252,256) swingably supported on a header frame (42) at a pivot (254) to project forwardly therefrom and having a draper belt (250) supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. A cutterbar assembly (48) adjacent a forward margin thereof for swinging relative to the header frame as the cutterbar assembly flexes up and down. The cutterbar assembly (48) is relatively inflexible along a section (282) defined between laterally outer margins of the fore-and-aft draper, wherein the forward margin (256,258) of the draper frame and generally the entire cutterbar assembly section move together as the draper frame swings (244,252,256) relative to the header frame (42).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A draper assembly for a harvester header having a flexible cutterbar assembly includes an endless flexible draper belt (52) configured to receive severed crop materials from the cutterbar assembly and convey the materials laterally. The draper belt has a leading edge, and a plurality of shiftably interlocked belt guards (228) attached to and disposed along the cutterbar assembly to accommodate and move with the cutterbar assembly during flexing thereof. Each of the belt guards (228) extends from the cutterbar assembly to a location adjacent the leading edge of the draper belt. The belt guards (228) are arranged into multiple adjacent pairs, with each pair including interengaging ends (238, 240, 242) that cooperatively form an interlocking joint that permits relative swinging movement between the guards of the pair and restricts relative up-and-down movement between the ends.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines

Abstract

A header height sensing system for a harvesting header having a laterally extending flexible cutterbar assembly with multiple cutterbar assembly sections. A header height sensing system is provided to send a cutterbar position signal to the header height adjustment system to adjust header height when the cutterbar assembly flexes beyond a predetermined position. The header height sensing system includes a plurality of sensors associated with each cutterbar assembly section. Each sensors is coupled to one of the support arms to sense its angular position thereof and provide an arm position signal corresponding to the position of the cutterbar assembly at the one support arm. Thus a plurality of arm position signals are provided for each cutterbar assembly section. The header height sensing system includes an electrical comparator circuit coupled to receive the arm position signals associated with each cutterbar assembly section and provide a single cutterbar position signal for each cutterbar assembly section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A harvesting header operable to harvest a crop. The header has a flexible cutterbar assembly extending lengthwise in a lateral direction relative to the normal direction of travel of the header. The cutterbar assembly is supported from a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms which are pivoted about a laterally extending axis so that the cutterbar assembly can flex along the length thereof in response to changes in terrain as the header is advanced. A pair of stops cooperate to define a variable range of angular movement of the support arms and a corresponding variable range of generally vertical movement of the flexible cutterbar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A harvesting header (40) has a header frame (42) and a flexible cutterbar assembly (48) mounted to the header frame to extend lengthwise in a lateral direction relative to the normal direction of travel of the header. A draper assembly (50) is supported on the header frame behind the cutterbar assembly to flex therewith. A cutterbar drive (112) is provided which has a drive shaft (116) and a forward gearbox (120) drivingly connected between the drive shaft and the cutterbar assembly to provide driving power from the drive shaft to the cutterbar assembly. The forward gearbox is supported on the outer support arm (46) adjacent the cutterbar assembly so that the forward gearbox shifts with the flexible cutterbar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A modular rotary cutter bed (10) is formed by a series of essentially identical cutter modules (28) mounted end-to-end along the length of a common support beam (12). Guards (94) for the cutters of the modules are arranged such that each guard overlaps and bridges the seam (44) between an adjacent pair of modules (28) so as to increase the structural rigidity of the cutter bed. Each guard (94) is attached at its front end to the noses (54) of a pair of adjacent modules and at its rear end to the support beam to increase structural integrity in all directions. A second embodiment does not utilize a common support beam for the modules (228) but instead relies upon the interconnections between adjacent modules and bridging overlap of the guards (294) to rigidify the cutter bed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/66 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters

Abstract

A harvesting header (10) having a flexible cutterbar assembly (38) utilizes draper belts (52, 54) behind the cutterbar (38) to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor (72) fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly (38), while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyor flexible with the cutterbar assembly (38).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing

Abstract

A harvesting header (100) comprises a header frame and a cutterbar assembly (128) mounted to the header frame and extending transversely to the normal direction of travel of the header. An endless flexible draper belt (202) is rotatably supported on the header frame rearwardly of the crop-cutting assembly to receive severed crop material from the crop-cutting assembly and convey the materials laterally. The draper belt (202) presents laterally extending, spaced apart leading and trailing edges relative to the normal direction of header travel, and an outwardly facing crop-engaging surface defined between the edges. An upstanding continuous rib (206) projects outwardly from the crop-engaging surface adjacent the leading edge.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

The conditioning rolls of a crop harvester have intermeshing metal ribs arranged in a herringbone pattern, each rib comprising a pair of end-to-end segments that converge spirally from opposite ends of the roll to a centermost apex. Alternative embodiments provide a single pair of metal herringbone rolls, two pairs of metal herringbone rolls, or a front pair of metal herringbone rolls and a rear pair of compressible surface herringbone rolls.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 82/02 - Rollers for crop conditioners

Abstract

A harvester suitable for triple windrowing operations has a cross-conveyor located behind the harvesting header for intercepting a stream of severed materials projected rearwardly from the header as the machine moves through the field. The cross-conveyor may be maintained in a raised or lowered position independently of the header so that, when the cross- conveyor is raised, the stream of severed materials from the header can be projected straight back underneath the raised conveyor to fall onto the ground generally in line with the header. For triple windrowing, a first pass is made with the cross-conveyor raised so that the first deposit is made directly behind the header on the mowed strip of the first pass. The first pass is carried out at a distance inwardly from the uncut edge of standing materials that is equal to or less than the width of the header so that a band of standing materials is left along one side of the mowed strip and the main remaining body of standing materials is presented along the other side. During the second pass, either through the main body or the band of materials depending upon the direction at which the cross-conveyor is angled rearwardly, the cross-conveyor is in its lowered position so as to intercept the stream of materials from the header, convey them laterally, and project them into a second deposit of material in the mowed strip from the first pass. The third pass is then made with the cross-conveyor also in a lowered position to form a third deposit of materials in the first mowed strip. When all three passes are complete, a total of three deposits of material are presented in the mowed strip from the first pass. An extension conveyor in the discharge area of the crass-conveyor accelerates the crop materials and is cocked upwardly to provide additional loft to the materials, thus enabling the materials to travel the extra distances needed to carry out the triple windrowing process.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 45/00 - Harvesting of standing crops
• A01D 57/00 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
• A01D 57/30 - Rotating attachments for forming windrows
• A01D 91/00 - Methods for harvesting agricultural products

Abstract

As crop materials are severed from the field, they pass through two successive pairs of counter-rotating conditioning rolls before being returned to the ground. The front rolls are preferably ribbed, metal rolls wherein the ribs of one roll are intermeshed with those of the other roll so as to crimp the stems of the crop materials as they pass between the rolls. The hard metal ribs also aggressively feed the materials rearwardly into the second set of rolls, which are preferably compressive surface rolls made of rubber or the like and provided with wide, intermeshed bars about their periphery. The tension mechanism for the rolls includes single-acting hydraulic cylinders that squeeze the rolls together to the extent permitted by adjustable stop structure used to set gaps between the rolls. In typical operations, the gap between the rear rolls is set to be considerably smaller than the gap between the front rolls. Great flexibility in the degree of conditioning experienced by the crop materials is achieved by the nature of the rolls and the ease with which roll pressure and spacing can be adjusted.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 82/00 - Crop conditioners, i.e. machines for crushing or bruising stalks
• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop