Abstract: A chopper and discharge apparatus includes a stationary housing for attachment to the rear discharge of a combine harvester so that straw is fed from the combine into an inlet of the housing and is discharged from an outlet of the housing. Within the housing is mounted a hub for rotation about the horizontal axis with the hub carrying a plurality of lugs at angularly and axially spaced positions therearound, each lug carrying a pair of pivotal blade members which are rotated with the hub in the form of flails. Each lug is associated with a stationary blade on the inside of the housing so that the pair of blades carried on each lug sweep past the stationary blade each on a respective side of the stationary blade. The blade members include some flat cutting blades and some twisted blade members which have a planar base portion attached to the lug, an outer planar blade portion and an intermediate twisted portion twisted about a center line so that the blade portion lies at an angle to the base portion.

Abstract: A foliage mowing apparatus and mowing reel assemblies include a plurality of helically shaped blades which are mounted circumferentially with respect to each other. Each blade has a chevron-type junction or apex lying within a radially extending plain which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the reel. Apexes of adjacent blades do not lie along the same radial plane. Instead, each apex is axially spaced from each of its adjacent apexes. With this structure, if a piece or blade of grass passes uncut through an apex area, a straight blade section follows immediately in order to cut or trim this piece or blade of grass.

Abstract: A feederhouse on an agricultural combine. Having a first acoustic array having a first sounding board and acoustic sensor positioned beneath the front drum and feederhouse floor. A second acoustic array positioned behind the front drum and between the conveyor chain encircling the front and rear drums. The second acoustic array also has a second acoustic sensor and second sounding plate. The acoustic sensor detects the impact of a stone on the sounding plates. A signal is transmitted via a controller from the sensor to a solenoid controlling a stone trap door latch. When the door opens, a sled also rotates into contact with conveyor chain. This deflects any crop flow containing stones. To close the door, the feederhouse is raised and the door rotates into contact with the latch.