Abstract: Yield monitor apparatus and method for a forage processing machinery are provided according to the invention. The yield monitor measures a forage yield by measuring a forage volume increment accumulation. In one embodiment of the invention, the yield monitor includes a volume increment accumulation measuring device generating a volume increment accumulation signal substantially related to a forage mass and a computer that receives the volume increment accumulation signal. The computer generates a yield amount based upon the accumulation signal, a forage processing machinery groundspeed, and forage processing machinery intake parameters. The yield monitor may generate a yield amount, with the yield amount capable of being stored and displayed to a forage processing machinery operator. Alternatively, the yield monitor may generate a groundspeed control signal that is used by the forage processing machinery to control a forage processing machinery groundspeed or other forage processing machinery parameters.

Abstract: Yield monitor apparatus and methods for a forage processing machinery are provided according to the invention. The yield monitor measures a forage yield by variously measuring a forage impingement force, a forage volume flow, a forage volume increment accumulation, or a forage processing machinery drive load. The yield monitor may generate a yield amount, with the yield amount capable of being stored and displayed to a forage processing machinery operator. Alternatively, the yield monitor may generate a groundspeed control signal that is used by the forage processing machinery to control a forage processing machinery groundspeed or other forage processing machinery parameters.

Abstract: Yield monitor apparatus and methods for a forage processing machinery are provided. The yield monitor measures a forage yield by variously measuring a forage impingement force, a forage volume flow, a forage volume increment accumulation, or a forage processing machinery drive load. The yield measures an impeller speed. The yield monitor may generate a yield amount, with the yield amount capable of being stored and displayed to a forage processing machinery operator. Alternatively, the yield monitor may generate a groundspeed control signal that is used by the forage processing machinery to control a forage processing machinery groundspeed or other forage processing machinery parameters.

Abstract: Yield monitor apparatus and methods for a forage processing machinery are provided according to the invention. The yield monitor measures a forage yield by variously measuring a forage impingement force, a forage volume flow, a forage volume increment accumulation, or a forage processing machinery drive load. The yield monitor may generate a yield amount, with the yield amount capable of being stored and displayed to a forage processing machinery operator. Alternatively, the yield monitor may generate a groundspeed control signal that is used by the forage processing machinery to control a forage processing machinery groundspeed or other forage processing machinery parameters.

Abstract: Yield monitor apparatus and methods for a forage processing machinery are provided. The yield monitor measures a forage yield by variously measuring a forage impingement force, a forage volume flow, a forage volume increment accumulation, or a forage processing machinery drive load. The yield monitor may generate a yield amount, with the yield amount capable of being stored and displayed to a forage processing machinery operator. Alternatively, the yield monitor may generate a groundspeed control signal that is used by the forage processing machinery to control a forage processing machinery groundspeed or other forage processing machinery parameters.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus is disclosed for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A unique rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor after which it is deflected in rearward path by a variably positioned baffle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of forage material and other agricultural plants by crushing and impact maceration. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable, generally cylindrical crushing rollers and a rotatable impact rotor having outwardly extending projections such as fins. Forage material is first passed between the crushing rollers where force applied to the rollers flattens the tubular structure of the plant stem, splitting or creating longitudinal cracks and making the plant fiber more compliant and ribbon-like. Additional maceration occurs as the crushed material is next impacted by the impact rotor, resulting in further splitting and separation of the stems into ribbons. The resultant macerated forage material produced may be subsequently pressed into mats for accelerated field drying. The mats could then be harvested by either baling or chopping when the desired moisture content is achieved.