Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device and to a method for monitoring the function of the components of an agricultural implement, with a vibration sensor for providing signal values containing information on mechanical vibrations generated by moving components of the implement, an operating state detecting device for providing a signal containing information on the operating state of components of the implement, and a calculating device for generating state information on the basis of the state of the components of the implement. The calculating device can be operated to divide the signal values of the vibration sensor on the basis of the corresponding signals of the operating state detecting device into different classes, which correspond to different combinations of the operating states of the components in the detection of the signal values, and to compare the signal values divided into classes or data derived from these signal values with comparison values for generating state information.

Abstract: A sieve (166) for a combine harvester (100) cleaning device (146) comprises a frame (10), in which a plurality of similar transversely extending plates (12) are mounted for angular adjustment about respective transverse axes defined by axles (20) that are equally spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction. The plates (12) are angled upwards and rearwards, with adjacent ones of the plates having forward sections of one overlapping rearward sections of the other. The axles (20) include cranks 14 that define adjusting elements, which are received for interacting with slots (16) provided in a longitudinally extending adjusting rod (18) that can be adjusted in its position in the longitudinal direction of the sieve (166), relative to the frame (10), so as to be able to adjust the angles of the plates (12) around their axles (20). The slots (16) are shaped and arranged on the adjusting rod (16) in such a way that at least one plate (12) has an angle different from another plate (12).

Abstract: A thresher basket arrangement for a combine with a thresher basket and with a harvested crop processing arrangement located ahead of the inlet to the thresher basket which includes a body with a first group of projections and a second group of projections arranged on the surface of the body, where the body can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the inlet side of the thresher basket between a first position in which the projections of the first group interact with the harvested crop and a second position in which a smooth guide surface interacts with the harvested crop. The body is provided with a consistent shape at least in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group and that it is spaced at the same distance from the pivot axis in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thresher basket arrangement for a combine with a thresher basket and with a harvested crop processing arrangement located ahead of the inlet to the thresher basket which includes a body with a first group of projections and a second group of projections arranged on the surface of the body, where the body can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the inlet side of the thresher basket between a first position in which the projections of the first group interact with the harvested crop and a second position in which a smooth guide surface interacts with the harvested crop. The body is provided with a consistent shape at least in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group and that it is spaced at the same distance from the pivot axis in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group.

Abstract: A combine with straw walkers and a conveyor located above the straw walkers. The conveyor is provided with tines and a rotating body with a closed circle cylindrical envelope surface. The envelope surface of the rotating body has no remarkable recess or elevations. The tine guides each have a holder mounted to the rotating body and a guidance mounted to the holder. The guidance is pivotally mounted to the holder around a pivot axis extending parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating body. The guidance extends along the tine, surrounds the tine and has a length such that the tine retracts into the interior of the rotating body along a rotational angle of the rotating body of at least 450.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device and to a method for monitoring the function of the components of an agricultural implement, with a vibration sensor for providing signal values containing information on mechanical vibrations generated by moving components of the implement, an operating state detecting device for providing a signal containing information on the operating state of components of the implement, and a calculating device for generating state information on the basis of the state of the components of the implement. The calculating device can be operated to divide the signal values of the vibration sensor on the basis of the corresponding signals of the operating state detecting device into different classes, which correspond to different combinations of the operating states of the components in the detection of the signal values, and to compare the signal values divided into classes or data derived from these signal values with comparison values for generating state information.

Abstract: A method and a surveillance system for surveilling the state of work machines including the steps of the making available sensors for detecting the operating state of the work machines; the making available of a first work machine specific databank with construction data; the making available of a second work machine specific databank with evaluation specific reference data; and analyzing of the measured values of the sensors regarding possible faults of a work machine using the first and the second databank. If the analysis of the measured values indicates a fault in the work machine, then a presentation of information to an operator is accomplished regarding the presence of a possible fault and the determined fault location. Inputs of the operator are received regarding faults that are found by him. The measured values and/or of analyzed results derived from them and of operator inputs are transmitted to a central damage databank and the central damage databank is updated.

Abstract: An on-board computer system for a work vehicle having an actuator. The computer system comprises an electronic control unit that is connected to and controls the actuator, a display unit and an input unit. The display unit displays operating parameters of the work vehicle. Through the input unit the operator inputs operating parameters of the work vehicle. The control unit transmits control signals to the actuator and can be operated selectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode the control unit displays a greater number of operating parameters that can be changed by the input unit than in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the function of an agricultural working machine comprises at least one sensor that is designed for generating a sensed signal containing information on noise caused by at least one movable element of the working machine. A computer receives the sensed signal of the sensor and generates an output signal value based on the sensed signal delivered by the sensor and a comparative value. Defect messages can be generated to alert the operator of a defect condition.

Abstract: A control system utilizes operator satisfaction information for controlling an agricultural harvesting machine having adjustable crop processing structure. The control system includes actuators for controlling the crop processing structure and a controller connected to the actuators and to quality sensor structure. Information for at least one quality parameter of the harvesting process is entered on an operator input device, the entry being dependent on the level of satisfaction the operator perceives concerning the parameter, and the controller controls the actuators based on the operator satisfaction input. The controller stores information about the relationship between the output of the sensor and the satisfaction entry, and this relationship information is used for subsequent control purposes.

Abstract: A control system utilizes operator satisfaction information for controlling an agricultural harvesting machine having adjustable crop processing means. The control system includes actuators for controlling the crop processing means, and a controller connected to the actuators. Operator satisfaction information for at least one quality parameter of the harvesting process is entered on an operator input device, and the controller is operable to control the actuators based on the operator input. The controller can be connected to at least one sensor measuring a quality parameter of the harvesting process. The controller stores information about the relationship between the output of the sensor and the associated inputted information about the operator's satisfaction with the quality parameter. This relationship information can then be used for subsequent control purposes.

Abstract: A utility machine having an actuator and a portable control device. The portable control device exchanges data with the actuator over a wireless data transmission arrangement and is equipped with an input arrangement and an output arrangement. The actuator can be influenced by the input arrangement of the control device. A sensor for measuring an operating parameter of the utility machine influenced by the actuator generates a measured value that can be transmitted over the wireless data transmission arrangement to the control device. The output arrangement can be operated to display an information that depends on the measured value of the sensor. Thereby the operator can carry on an interactive dialog with the utility machine over the control device.

Abstract: An on-board computer system for a work vehicle having an actuator. The computer system comprises an electronic control unit that is connected to and controls the actuator, a display unit and an input unit. The display unit displays operating parameters of the work vehicle. Through the input unit the operator inputs operating parameters of the work vehicle. The control unit transmits control signals to the actuator and can be operated selectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode the control unit displays a greater number of operating parameters that can be changed by the input unit than in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the function of an agricultural working machine comprises at least one sensor that is designed for generating a sensed signal containing information on noise caused by at least one movable element of the working machine. A computer receives the sensed signal of the sensor and generates an output signal value based on the sensed signal delivered by the sensor and a comparative value. Defect messages can be generated to alert the operator of a defect condition.

Abstract: A combine having an axial separator that is provided with an outlet. A discharge beater is located adjacent the outlet. The discharge beater can be selectively rotated in response to crop throughput volume. The discharge beater is arranged to convey crop remains thrown out of the axial separator downwardly. The discharge beater is spaced away from the outlet of the axial separator in such a way that it comes into contact with the crop remains only when the axial separator is operating at relatively high throughput volumes.

Abstract: A straw chopper with a housing having a chopping region and a discharge region, a chopping and conveying element and a distributor having several guide vanes for the transverse dispersal of the chopped straw, wherein the discharge region of the housing can be pivoted about a first axis relative to the chopping region of the housing and chopped straw is conducted by the conveying element past the chopping and the discharge regions in the direction toward the guide vanes. Choppers such as this are applied to harvesting machines such as combines, in order to distribute chopped straw on a field. In order to attain an optimum transverse distribution of the straw and to be able to bring the distributor into a favorable position for transport on the road, it is proposed that the distributor be arranged so as to be able to pivot relative to the chopping region of the housing, separately from the discharge region of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor being disposed above the straw walkers of a combine is provided with a rotating body and disappearing tines. The rotary conveyor is an undershot conveyor and is designed to more aggressively loosen threshed crop material passing over the straw walkers. The tines are eccentrically supported in bearings. The tines can move radially in through tines guides that are located in recessed regions of the rotating body. The recessed regions being parallel to the transverse axis of the rotating body.

Abstract: Ideal function curves are generated for a combine in various operating conditions having acceptable loss rates. These ideal function curves are stored in an onboard computer and compared with actual measured function curves. The actual function curves are derived from sensors measuring grain distribution per linear length of grain falling through the sieve. The computer compares the actual function curve with the ideal function curve for transmitting an adjustment signal to the appropriate controller to drive the actual function curve towards the ideal function curve. Loss sensors are not required because acceptable losses for various conditions are built into the ideal function curves.