Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing and a shaft rotatable with respect to the housing. An impeller has blades for rotation with the shaft in response to receipt of material from a chute. A first generator assembly comprises first stator windings associated with the housing and a first magnet affixed to the shaft, such that if the impeller rotates an electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material through the chute.

Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle includes a vehicle body having longitudinally extending sides. An enclosed engine compartment is configured within the vehicle body. An air inlet is defined in side of the vehicle body for intake of air into the engine compartment. A grain bin forward of the engine compartment includes a grain bin extension skirt mounted above the grain bin. An intake housing is mounted over the air inlet in the vehicle body side and includes a forwardly extending portion mounted alongside the grain bin extension with an inlet opening oriented so as draw air primarily from an area forward of the engine compartment and above the vehicle body.

Abstract: A dual bin combine system for combine harvesters which increases the storage capacity of harvested grain products when compared with previous systems. The dual bin combine system generally includes a combine harvester having a frame and a first tank for storing material harvested by the combine harvester. A frame extension, which extends in a rearward direction from the frame, includes a second tank. A transferring conduit extends from the first tank to the second tank. When operating the harvester, material may be fed from both tanks to reduce downtime unloading and thus more efficiently harvest crops.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for removing plant material from harvested crops includes a pinch roller conveyor including pairs of rotatable pinch rollers whose longitudinal axes are aligned with a length of the conveyor, the pinch rollers forming nips in which plant material can be caught and pulled down through the conveyor as the pinch rollers rotate, wherein first ends of the pinch rollers are laterally displaceable so that the pinch rollers can laterally separate from each other to facilitate passage of plant material.

Abstract: An expandable grain tank is provided for covering the open end of a grain tank of an agricultural combine. The expandable tank includes a tarp and a support structure for raising and lowering the tarp. The support structure is configured with an upper frame, a plurality of expandable legs connected to the upper frame and the grain tank, and an actuator to expand and retract the expandable legs. The expandable tank is configured to be moved between a retracted position and an expanded position.

Abstract: A combine (10) includes a support frame (12) that can be moved across a field in a forward operating direction and a grain tank (42) fastened to it. The grain tank (42) is provided with side walls (58) that can be moved by means of an adjusting drive (68) between a retracted position for operation on public roads and for the storage of the combine (10) and an extended position for the harvesting operation. Each side wall (58) is connected in the upward direction with a cover (84) that is a component of a ring-shaped grain tank extension. The grain tank extension can be moved between an extended position in which it forms a ring that enlarges the grain tank (42) in the upward direction, and a retracted position, in which it encloses the grain tank (42) in the upward direction.

Abstract: To increase the capacity of an extension attachment for a bulk material container comprising a frame (32) and a plurality of flaps (33, 34) linked to the frame (32), which are capable of swivelling and, in a swivelled-out position, surround an internal space (31) of the extension attachment, the internal surface (28) facing the internal space (31) of at least of one of the flaps (33) has a concave shape in the swivelled-out position.

Abstract: An expandable grain tank is provided for covering the open end of a grain tank of an agricultural combine. The expandable tank includes a tarp and a support structure for raising and lowering the tarp. The support structure is configured with an upper frame, a plurality of expandable legs connected to the upper frame and the grain tank, and an actuator to expand and retract the expandable legs. The expandable tank is configured to be moved between a retracted position and an expanded position.

Abstract: A cob collection device for use with a corn harvester, includes a conveyor system including a portion for positively removing or cleaning attached husks from the cobs after removal of corn therefrom by the harvester, the conveyor system including an upwardly inclined conveyor portion operably movable in cooperation with the collection device for distributing delivery of cobs thereto, the cob collection device having a wall portion including an aperture for receiving the inclined conveyor portion, and a door for closing the aperture when the conveyor is removed, allowing unloading of the collection device, and stowage of the conveyor in a compacted manner to facilitate travel under bridges, utility wires, doorways and the like.

Abstract: A cob collection device for use with a corn harvester, includes a conveyor system including a portion for positively removing or cleaning attached husks from the cobs after removal of corn therefrom by the harvester, the conveyor system including an upwardly inclined conveyor portion operably movable in cooperation with the collection device for distributing delivery of cobs thereto, the cob collection device having a wall portion including an aperture for receiving the inclined conveyor portion, and a door for closing the aperture when the conveyor is removed, allowing unloading of the collection device, and stowage of the conveyor in a compacted manner to facilitate travel under bridges, utility wires, doorways and the like.

Abstract: A cob collection device for use with a corn harvester, includes a conveyor system including a portion for positively removing or cleaning attached husks from the cobs after removal of corn therefrom by the harvester, the conveyor system including an upwardly inclined conveyor portion operably movable in cooperation with the collection device for distributing delivery of cobs thereto, the cob collection device having a wall portion including an aperture for receiving the inclined conveyor portion, and a door for closing the aperture when the conveyor is removed, allowing unloading of the collection device, and stowage of the conveyor in a compacted manner to facilitate travel under bridges, utility wires, doorways and the like.

Abstract: An automatedly foldable and unfoldable grain tank extension construction for increasing the grain holding capacity of a grain tank of an agricultural harvesting machine, such extension construction including a plurality of extension panels mounted for pivotal movement about corresponding, respective, upper peripheral portions of the grain tank, with pliable corner pieces extending between adjacent extension panels to seal the corner spaces between the adjacent extension panels, especially when the extension construction is deployed or unfolded, wherein the pivotal movements of the extension panels are controllable by operation of a linkage system that automatedly effects the folding and unfolding of the extension construction by effecting movement of each extension panel through an angle greater than 90°, with at least the control actuator of the linkage system being located external to the grain tank so as to be generally accessible for servicing even when the grain tank is filled.

Abstract: A grain tank for an agricultural harvester has an extension assembly to enable the volume of the tank to be increased. The extension assembly comprises two pairs of mutually opposed panels that are movable relative to the tank between a lowered position in which they serve as a cover for an opening in the top of the tank and a raised position in which they define the side walls of an extension volume that communicates through the opening with the interior of the tank. In the invention, a blind is secured to the opposed panels of one of the pairs to cover the grain tank when the extension assembly is raised. The blind is automatically deployed from a stowed position to a extended position as the two panels are moved to their raised position.

Abstract: A grain tank of an agricultural harvester having a top formed with an opening is provided. A cover overlies the opening, and a lifting mechanism is provided for raising the cover to an elevated position. Side panels extend between the cover and the top of the grain tank when the cover is in the elevated position to provide an enclosed extension volume that increases the storage capacity of the grain tank. At least two of the side panels are rigidly and permanently connected to the cover.

Abstract: A grain tank cover having a tarp and support structure, the support structure including legs and an upper frame structure that are shiftable downwardly into the tank to assume a lowered position, and a domed structure extends upwardly from the upper frame structure and supports the tarp in a generally domed configuration in that location.

Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.

Abstract: Rigid cover panels of the cover for grain storage tubes on combines, harvesting machine, are preferably fabricated of double-wall plastic to limit weight of the cover while providing desired strength and rigidity. The rigid cover panels can be pivoted about top edges of an underlying grain tank whereby the cover panels function as a height extension of the underlying tank, thus to increase the grain-carrying capacity of the tank. Flexible transition panels are preferably mounted to the rigid cover panels to bridge spaces between edge regions of the rigid cover panels when the rigid cover panels are raised to their upright, tank-extending orientations. A preferably single underlying actuator in the tank, in combination with mechanical linkages, can simultaneously raise all the rigid cover panels, all the flexible transition panels, and the discharge end of a clean grain elevator which discharges grain into the tank.

Abstract: A foldable extension for increasing a grain holding capacity of a grain tank of an agricultural harvesting machine. The grain tank includes angularly related upper peripheral portions defining an upwardly facing opening, and the extension includes a corresponding number of extension panels mounted for pivotal movement about the respective upper peripheral portions of the grain tank. Each of the extension panels is pivotally positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly and outwardly relative to the opening of the grain tank at an acute angle of less than about 80° to horizontal, and a generally horizontal folded position extending over a portion of the opening, adjacent ones of the extension panels having adjacent ends defining corner spaces therebetween when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A grain module for an agricultural combine. The module includes a longitudinally elongated grain tank. An endless conveyor conduit receives grain from the combine's grain tank and selectively feeds it into the module grain tank or removes it from the module grain tank. The module may comprise the rear section of an articulated combine vehicle wherein the front section contains grain threshing and separating systems.

Abstract: A grain module for an agricultural combine. The module includes a longitudinally elongated grain tank. An endless conveyor conduit receives grain from the combine's grain tank and selectively feeds it into the module grain tank or removes it from the module grain tank. The module may comprise the rear section of an articulated combine vehicle wherein the front section contains grain threshing and separating systems.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is provided with a grain tank affixed to its main frame for storing therein processed crop material. The volume of the grain tank can be extended by an extension assembly comprising a first pair of mutually opposed panels and a second pair of mutually opposed panels. The panels are movable between a lower, inoperative position and a higher, operative position in which the panels substantially increase the volume of the grain tank. The movement of the second pair is controlled by the movement of the first pair of panels. The panels are provided with locking mechanism for keeping all panels in their operative position and which are disposed to become engaged and to secure the extension assembly in the extended position when the first pair of panels moves the second pair of panels to their operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding device of an agricultural vehicle having a first auger, arranged on the floor of a collecting device for harvested crop. A second auger receives the harvested crop from the first auger. The second auger extends, at least across a portion of its length, at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the first auger. A flexible continuous feeding spiral extends through the first and second augers. The feeding spiral (44) is preferably flexible and coreless.

Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A seed package handling system is provided for a test plot combine. A seed packaging assembly in the combine packages the seeds and deposits the packages onto a conveyor, which transports the packages to a first hopper. After the first hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the first hopper is raised on an elevator and then tilted so as to dump the seed packages into a larger second hopper. After the second hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the second hopper is tilted to discharge the seed packages into a wagon separate from the combine, which transports the seed packages to a processing facility. The movement of the conveyor and first hopper is controlled by a PLC.

Abstract: A grain tank extension having side panels that are rotatably mounted to the grain tank to lower the extension by pivoting the side panels into the tank for storage. Corner panels are provided between adjacent side panels and are integrally formed with the stud at each end for coupling the corner panels to the side panels. Flanges extend beyond the ends of the side panels and overlap abutting ends of adjacent comer panels. The flanges each have an aperture that receives the stud from the adjacent corner panel. The stud is held therein by a retaining pin to avoid the need for hand tools to lower the extension for storage. The corner panels are molded of plastic as a single piece plastic body with the studs integrally formed therein.

Abstract: A leveling auger for an extendable height combine grain hopper is mounted onto supports pivoted on brackets so that the auger is effective to level grain in the hopper extension space when in a usable position. The auger will move grain into the regions defined by the hopper extensions. The supports can be pivoted to move the leveling auger to a lowered position. When in its lowered position, the auger is below the level of the hopper after the extension walls are folded down for clearance purposes. A separate grain level sensing switch is used for operating the leveling auger so that the leveling auger is run only when grain has reached a preselected height in the grain hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for picking or harvesting agricultural products from plants on which they were grown. The apparatus is especially useful for harvesting peppers of various types (e.g., chili, bell, etc.). The apparatus includes fingers carried on elongated opposing bars which are inclined relative to the ground and are moved through a circular path such that opposing fingers engage and lift the products and separate them from the plants. A trash removal system removes plant stems, leaves and debris. Preferably a hopper is included for receiving and carrying the harvested products until the operator desires to transfer the products to a truck or other carrier. The apparatus is very efficient in harvesting agricultural products and does not crush or damage fragile products or the plants on which the products are grown.

Abstract: A powered towing vehicle having steering wheels and a wheeled trailer is connected to the vehicle for its towing. The wheels of the trailer are connected to a source of power for generating forward and rearward movement of the trailer. These wheels also are connected to a source of power for turning such wheels in order to steer the trailer. These wheels further are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the trailer wheels as they are being steered. The steering wheels of the towing vehicle also are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the vehicle wheels as they are being steered. The trailer steering wheel sensor is displayed to an operator of the vehicle so that the vehicle operator knows the relative position of each of the steering wheels. The trailer steering power source is connected to the vehicle so that an operator of the vehicle can remotely steer the wheels of the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting and mixing of fibrous products for the preparation of animal feed which includes a hopper where equipments for the cutting and mixing of fibrous product are installed. Based on this invention, such mixing and cutting equipment is constituted by one auger that is separated into two equal (welded) sections by a partition that is attached to the shaft of the auger itself. The auger is equipped with a first section of auger blades that turn clockwise and a second section of auger blades that turn counterclockwise. The hopper has a bottom that is partially cylindrical where the auger is installed and one wall extends vertical and the opposite one extends oblique from the bottom.

Abstract: A grain tank for a harvester thresher has a plurality of walls including side walls and end walls which together form an upper filling opening, a cover articulately connected with each of the side walls and adapted to close the filling opening, vertically displaceable plates connected with the end walls and associates with the covers so that the covers in an upwardly folded condition together with the upwardly placed plates form a box-shaped structure to increase a volume of the grain tank, straight guides mounted on an inner side of the end walls, a power element operatively connected with the plates, so that the plates are upwardly and downwardly displaceable in the straight guides by the power element and the covers which are articulately connected with the side walls are turned by the plates.

Abstract: A powered towing vehicle having steering wheels and a wheeled trailer is connected to the vehicle for its towing. The wheels of the trailer are connected to a source of power for generating forward and rearward movement of the trailer. These wheels also are connected to a source of power for turning such wheels in order to steer the trailer. These wheels further are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the trailer wheels as they are being steered. The steering wheels of the towing vehicle also are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the vehicle wheels as they are being steered. The trailer steering wheel sensor is displayed to an operator of the vehicle so that the vehicle operator knows the relative position of each of the steering wheels. The trailer steering power source is connected to the vehicle so that an operator of the vehicle can remotely steer the wheels of the trailer.