Gatherers Or Guides Patents (Class 56/119)
  • Patent number: 11516968
    Abstract: A combine header having a snout extension with a flat bottom surface base component converging toward each other, a cover arching over the base component and conforming to and at least as wide as the snout. Connecting plates on opposite sides of the snout extension tool attaching the snout extension tool to the snout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Max LLC
    Inventors: Gregory William Bell, Wendy Rae Miller, Phillip Scott Shinbur
  • Patent number: 11324166
    Abstract: Frame assemblies for a corn row head formed from components formed from different materials may include a frame portion having a first beam leg and a second beam leg formed of a first material and a skid plate attached to each of the first beam leg and the second beam leg formed from a second material different than the first material. The first material may be aluminum, and the second material may be steel. In some implementations, a breast plate joining the first beam leg and the second beam leg may be formed from the first material and may be welded to the first beam leg and the second beam leg. In other implementations, the breast plate may be formed from the second material and may be adhesively bonded to the first and second beam legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sanjeev Hallale, Mohamad S. El-Zein, Hema V. Guthy, Sankaran Subramaniam, Hector Portillo, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Eric D. Windsor, Nathan F. Tortorella, Daniel J. Cox, Daniel A. Hartschuh, Christopher J. McKelvey, Amol M. Sawale, Ryan M. Gneiting
  • Patent number: 11310963
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a cutting head configured to harvest an agricultural material, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the harvested agricultural material from the agricultural harvester, and a fill management system. The fill management system is configured to provide open-loop control of an automated transfer of the agricultural material from the agricultural harvester. The fill management system includes a controller, a user interface module coupled to the controller and configured to receive user input indicative of a selected nudge direction, and a wireless communication module coupled to the fill management system and configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiving vehicle. The wireless communication module is configured to obtain storage dimensions relative to the receiving vehicle from the receiving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Burnley, Ryan R. White
  • Patent number: 11266069
    Abstract: A cane pickup and separation device mountable to a vehicle, the front of which is depicted in FIG. 1 and identified by reference No. 2. The device includes at least two sorting augers with auger tips, a frame, a separation wall, and a pickup spiral. The sorting augers each have auger tips that are adapted to be positioned slightly above ground level. The sorting augers diverge relative to one another and are inclined upwardly and rearwardly at similar inclined angles ? to the horizontal to define a diverging gap. Behind the augers is the upwardly and rearwardly inclined separation wall. The separation wall is rearward of the pair of augers and extends substantially across the diverging gap. The frame is mountable to the vehicle and is adapted to support the pair of sorting augers and the separation wall. The device further includes at least one pickup spiral set at a shallower angle ? inclination to the horizontal than the steeply inclined angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Steven Lawn
  • Patent number: 11032969
    Abstract: A crop dividing device for an agricultural header including a hood and a divider connected to the hood. The divider includes a base member pivotally connected to the hood. The base member includes a receiving section. The divider also includes an ear dam member receivable in the receiving section. The ear dam member is positionable in between a first position for increasing an overall slope of the divider and a second position for decreasing the overall slope of the divider. The ear dam member is connected to the receiving section in the first position, and the ear dam member is connected to one of the hood and base member in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Walker, Kyle Lauff, Brian P. Crow, John P. Roeder
  • Patent number: 10897846
    Abstract: A harvester includes a main frame, first side frame, and a second side frame. The first and second side frames are rotatable about the main frame between a deployed position and a stowed position. A first crop divider is rotatable with respect to the first side frame to change an angle between the first crop divider and the ground. A first biasing member biases the first crop divider into the raised position. A second crop divider is rotatable with respect to the second side frame to change an angle between the second crop divider and the ground. A second biasing member biases the second crop divider into the raised position. During movement of the first and second side frames into the stowed position, the first and second crop dividers are moved into the lowered position against the biasing force of the respective biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Troy M. Heims, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Steve A. Coon, Dennis P. Silver, Eric D. Windsor, Eric H. Stone
  • Patent number: 10716257
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle including a header frame, and at least one row unit supported by the header frame. The at least one row unit including a pair of gatherers configured for conveying a crop material. Each gatherer including a chain and a plurality of plates connected to the chain. The plurality of plates at least partially overlap to define a conveying floor that has a continuous upper portion for receiving and transporting a dislodged crop material and an outer periphery for gathering the crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Eric L. Walker
  • Patent number: 10694674
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header connected to the chassis. The header includes a frame, at least one crop divider connected to the frame and having a crop divider body with at least one opening therein, and at least one down crop gatherer rotatably mounted to the at least one crop divider and at least partially extending through the at least one opening of the crop divider body. The at least one down crop gatherer has a first rotational direction. The header also includes a drive unit rotatably mounted to the at least one crop divider and contacting the at least one down crop gatherer. The drive unit has a second rotational direction and is configured for contacting the field and driving the at least one down crop gatherer in its first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Nate McGraw
  • Patent number: 10582662
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle includes: a header frame; a first deck plate carried by the header frame; a second deck plate carried by the header frame, the first deck plate and the second deck plate forming a gap therebetween defining a gap width and a width direction; a rotatable tube carried by the header frame and connected to at least one of the first deck plate and the second deck plate such that rotation of the rotatable tube adjusts the gap width; and a spring fixed to the rotatable tube and having at least one end captured by the second deck plate such that a force directed in the width direction acting on the second deck plate produces a spring force in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industial America LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 10537060
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Patent number: 10462969
    Abstract: An outer stalk divider for an attachment for harvesting row crop, in particular for a corn picker or corn header, includes a base body that extends in a traveling direction and a surface that extends in the traveling direction on an upper side, a hood, which is situated at the front on the base body as viewed in the traveling direction, and tapers in the traveling direction, and a cover element which, in the traveling direction, is situated behind the hood and on the upper side. The cover element extends at least partially along the surface of the base body, and is at least partially arched in design on an outer surface facing away from the surface. The cover element may be adjustable relative to the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CLAAS Omaha Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Benes, Brian Aschbrenner
  • Patent number: 10420281
    Abstract: A method for creating a narrow row head unit which may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, and which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Calmer Corn Heads, Inc.
    Inventor: Marion Calmer
  • Patent number: 10334784
    Abstract: A stripper plate system includes a first stripper plate movably mounted to a frame, a second stripper plate movably mounted to the frame in an opposing orientation to the first stripper plate, and an elongated gap in-between the first and second stripper plates. A first tensioning mechanism biases a proximal end of the first stripper plate toward a center of the elongated gap, a second tensioning mechanism biases a distal end of the first stripper plate toward the center of the elongated gap, a third tensioning mechanism biases a proximal end of the second stripper plate toward the center of the elongated gap, and a fourth tensioning mechanism biases a distal end of the second stripper plate toward the center of the elongated gap. A biasing force of the first and third tensioning mechanisms is lower than a biasing force of the second and fourth tensioning mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Michael L. Berggren
  • Patent number: 10225982
    Abstract: A stalked crop harvesting header include multiple harvesting units each including a set of deck plates defining a channel, a set of snapping rollers mounted below the deck plates and adapted to grasp and pull stalks downwardly through the channel, and a pair of gathering chains adapted for conveying stalks along the channel. Each harvesting unit further includes a stalk guider at either side of a front end of the channel. Each stalk guider includes an upper stalk guiding wheel and a lower stalk guiding wheel carried by a frame. The frame includes a protrusion between the upper and the lower stalk guiding wheels, which protrusion includes a support for carrying a respective front end of the snapping rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Tom De Smet, Frederik Tallir, Willem Vandamme, Geert Bonne
  • Patent number: 10194589
    Abstract: A feed section for a multi-row sugarcane harvester comprises a first feed train configured to advance a first mat of sugarcane received from a first row of sugarcane, a second feed train configured to advance a second mat of sugarcane received from a second row of sugarcane, and a third feed train. The first and second feed trains merge into the third feed train. Each of the first feed train and the second feed train comprises a first feed roller and a second feed roller, each of which has an axis of rotation. With respect to the first feed train, the axes of rotation of the first and second feed rollers are positioned at different acute angles relative to a fore-aft axis of the feed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kent M. Almeida, Beau Downey
  • Patent number: 9943034
    Abstract: A picking apparatus having at least one holder movable in a working direction. The holder has at least one conveying device with a front gathering region. The produce bearing plants come in contact with the conveying device in the front gathering region. The conveying device is operable to gather and transport plants in at least one conveying direction. The conveying direction extend in a straight or substantially straight line and transverse or substantially transverse to the working direction. The picking apparatus also has a picking gap defined behind the conveying device, wherein the plants are guided through the picking gap while separating the produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Klemens Kalverkamp, Felix Kalverkamp
  • Patent number: 9775292
    Abstract: A non-row sensitive forage harvester header utilizes a single rotary transfer member to convey severed crop material from the forwardly positioned rotary cutting members to the feed rolls of the forage harvester. A fixed guide plate dislodges severed crop from the right cutting member to transfer the crop material to the left cutting member to convey the crop further rearwardly to the rotary transfer member. Additional fixed guide plates establish a flow path for the severed crop material and facilitate the movement of the severed crop from the left cutting member to the rotary transfer member and then to the feed rolls. A drive mechanism is provided to power the rotation of the cutting members and the rotary transfer member with a cutting disk on each cutting member being driven faster than the multiple crop engaging members also carried on the cutting members above the cutting disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Horning Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Leon Z. Horning, Marvin N. Huber, Leon H. Horning, Jr., Nathaniel H. Horning
  • Patent number: 9622411
    Abstract: A row unit of a header for an agricultural harvester having a gathering chain lockout assembly is provided. The row unit includes a frame, a gathering chain assembly and a lockout assembly that allows adjustment or removal of the gathering chain. The gathering chain assembly is mounted to the frame extending forwardly of the header and includes first and second sprockets, an endless chain extending between the first and second sprockets, and a carriage assembly extending from and supporting the first sprocket. The carriage assembly has a stationary member and a moveable member moveable relative to the stationary member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lockout assembly is attached to the carriage assembly and includes a lockout fastener pivotably attached to one of the stationary member and moveable member and an engaging member attached to the other of the stationary member and moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian Patrick Crow, Felipe Baldissera Ramina
  • Patent number: 9603304
    Abstract: A multi-row corn header row unit allows harvesting with a single corn header having fixed distance between rows, for instance at 525 mm, and multiple distancing between rows, for which purpose it bears trimmed or emptied snouts on its sides in lieu of conventional headers. Trimmed snouts tire used in combination with lifting sets or row units designed to form an opening with greater width than that of the stripping area, allows for contact with the plant in a manner such as to avoid rubbing on the most rigid part of the stem, thus preventing shakes, breaks or excessive tilting, which certainly determines the obtention of an effective harvest, upon obtaining ears without practically any waste. That is to say, the row unit allows that plants entering from outside of the central row of the collection unit reach the same without being cut, broken, shaken or tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CARLOS MAINERO & CIA S.A.I.C.F.I.
    Inventor: Rubén José Lambertini
  • Patent number: 9578809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collector (10) for harvested material having at least three movement devices (12) and at least one yoke (16) interconnecting the movement devices (12). Supporting elements (18) are additionally provided which are connected to the yoke (16) and/or the movement devices (12) and which have a shaft bushing (20) within which a shaft (22) is guided on which pick-up tools (24) for picking up harvested material are mounted. At least one additional movement device (12) is provided between two outer movement devices (12), the yoke (16) being elastically deformed so as to allow a vertical movement—with respect to the yolk axis—of the additional movement device (12) relative to said outer movement devices (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Reiter
  • Patent number: 9545056
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is achieved by means of a row divider (1) applied to a sugar cane harvester (100). Said device (1) comprises at least one helicoidal lift (2) connected to an engine. Said helicoidal lift (2) has a conical shape geometry of variable cross section around an imaginary central axis (102), and comprises a first segment (3) and a second segment (4). The first segment (3) establishes a first generatrix (5) which defines an angle a to the central axis (102) and comprises a first screw thread (6) in its outer surface. The second segment (4) establishes a second generatrix (7) which defines an angle ? to the central axis (102), so that ? has a greater value than a. Said second segment (4) comprises a second screw thread (8) in its surface, which is oriented in the opposite direction of the first screw thread (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Marchesan Implementos e Máquinas Agrícolas Tatú S.A.
    Inventor: Valter Palmute
  • Patent number: 9532505
    Abstract: A row divider of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The row divider includes a hood, a divider and an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the position of the divider and hood relative to each other. The adjustment apparatus includes a divider support extending from the hood for supporting the divider and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is connected to the divider support and extends through the hood to an outer region of the hood such that an operator can access and adjust the position of the divider from a region outside the hood and/or divider without the need for lifting the divider to an up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Zachary Long, Andrew V. Lauwers
  • Patent number: 9386746
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising rotationally molding a snout of a corn row divider assembly, the snout comprising a double-walled structure; rotationally molding a first conduit into a surface of the double-walled structure, the first conduit extending from an aft end of the snout to a location proximal to the fore end of the snout; attaching a sensor to the snout at a location proximal to the fore end of the snout; inserting a first wire harness into the first conduit, the first wire harness extending between the aft end of the snout and the location proximal to the fore end; and connecting the first wire harness to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Lohrentz, Timothy Dan Buhler, Steven R. Tippery
  • Patent number: 9265198
    Abstract: A combine harvester includes a harvester head assembly. The harvester head assembly includes an apparatus having a body. A forward end of the apparatus includes a barrier flange extending therefrom and forming a barrier surface that operates to block harvested crops from dropping off the forward end of the bonnet. Additionally, the barrier flange includes a kickback portion. The kickback portion operates to deflect harvested crops toward the rearward direction to further avoid loss of harvested crops out the forward end of the harvester head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dragotec USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Hulstein, Michael L. Banken, Ian Kristoffer Shoultz
  • Patent number: 9226447
    Abstract: End dividers are connected to a harvesting reel of a header such that fore and aft translational movement of the harvesting reel results in corresponding translation of a leading part of the end dividers. The end dividers may be secured to a header frame such that the end dividers float over uneven terrain. The end dividers can also include extensions or shrouds for receiving and protecting the ends of the reel, as well as sockets at their tips for releasably attaching various types of harvesting fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Blaine Noll, Benjamin Ditchcreek
  • Patent number: 9032700
    Abstract: A corn header has a row unit frame and an auger sweeping ears of corn toward a center of the corn header. A corn row divider assembly has a snout and gatherer hood hingeably coupled to, and aft of, the snout. An aft end of the gatherer hood is located beneath and to the rear of the fore end of the auger in an operational configuration of the divider assembly. The divider assembly further has a four-point hinge assembly coupling the aft end of the gatherer hood to the row unit frame. The four-point hinge assembly is configured to pivot the gatherer hood between the operational configuration and a non-operational configuration in which the gatherer hood is in a raised condition. The four-point hinge assembly moves the aft end of the gatherer hood forward so that the gatherer hood clears the auger when pivoting to the non-operational configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Lohrentz, Robert A. Matousek
  • Publication number: 20150101303
    Abstract: An improved row divider for a corn head assembly of a combine harvester is disclosed. The row divider includes opposing non-vertical sidewalls that taper inwardly to define a narrow bottom. The non-vertical sidewalls may be planar, concave or convex. The sloping surfaces of the sidewalls result in less severe bending and shearing of corn stalks that are misaligned with respect to the row divider as the combine harvester traverses a corn field, thereby increasing crop yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Edward Herman Priepke
  • Publication number: 20150089914
    Abstract: A corn header has a row unit frame and an auger sweeping ears of corn toward a center of the corn header. A corn row divider assembly has a snout and gatherer hood hingeably coupled to, and aft of, the snout. An aft end of the gatherer hood extends beneath and to the rear of the fore end of the auger in an operational configuration of the divider assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Randall Lohrentz, Robert A. MATOUSEK
  • Publication number: 20150068180
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising rotationally molding a snout of a corn row divider assembly, the snout comprising a double-walled structure; rotationally molding a first conduit into a surface of the double-walled structure, the first conduit extending from an aft end of the snout to a location proximal to the fore end of the snout; attaching a sensor to the snout at a location proximal to the fore end of the snout; inserting a first wire harness into the first conduit, the first wire harness extending between the aft end of the snout and the location proximal to the fore end; and connecting the first wire harness to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Randy Lohrentz, Timothy Dan Buhler, Steven R. Tippery
  • Publication number: 20150047309
    Abstract: Provided is a crop divider hinge kit and method of installation and use that facilitates do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Hinge kits may be adapted for use with frames having a square tube portion and may comprise a replacement portion of square tubing pivotably connected with a sleeve portion adapted to receive therein and be affixed to a cut portion of the square tube frame. Quick-disconnect fastening mechanisms may be used in connection with hinge kits, including in connection with removably fastening crop divider support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Mark W. Kiel, Kenneth Ray Kiel
  • Patent number: 8935908
    Abstract: A corn head attachment has a sweeper device extending across a working width of the corn head attachment. The sweeper device is attached to the attachment frame by support arms pivotable about a first pivot. The sweeper device position relative to the frame is adjustable by a longitudinal adjusting device parallel to the travel direction and height-adjustable about the first pivots. The adjusting device moves the sweeper device along a curved path in a first direction away from a first position, in which a rotary axle of the sweeper device is at a leading area of a harvesting slot, into a second position above a rearward area of the harvesting slot and also moves the sweeper device in opposite direction. The adjustment of the sweeper device along the curved path is controlled by a forced guiding action to avoid collision of the sweeper device with other corn head attachment components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Geringhoff GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klemens Surmann, Andre Hemmesmann, Bernd Albinger
  • Publication number: 20150000239
    Abstract: A narrow row head unit may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Marion Calmer
  • Publication number: 20140298769
    Abstract: A corn head assembly for a combine harvester capable of reducing grain loss. The corn head assembly includes a frame, a plurality of row units and a hood. The frame is mounted to a forward end of the combine harvester. The plurality of row units extends forward from the frame. The hood extends between an adjacent pair of row units. The hood includes a first end proximal to the frame, a second end distal to the frame and opposite the first end, and an outer surface extending between the first and second ends. The outer surface has a plurality of structures configured to inhibit a flow of grain in a forward direction along the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Walker, Brian Patrick Crow, James Michael Gessel, Frederick Robert Hubach
  • Publication number: 20140260166
    Abstract: A harvester includes a cross conveying auger with a helical blade. An auger pan extends under and behind the auger and forms a trough portion below the auger. A lower rear quadrant of the auger pan is contoured includes one or more projections to provide resistance to radial movement of the ears of corn so that the ears and are moved longitudinally inward along the auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher M. SCHLOESSER
  • Publication number: 20140260165
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Randall Lohrentz
  • Publication number: 20140237975
    Abstract: A corn head assembly for a combine harvester capable of preventing or inhibiting grain from sliding off a row unit without inhibiting crop flow is disclosed. The corn head assembly is attached to a combine harvester for harvesting crop material. The corn head assembly includes a frame, a conveyor and a plurality of row units. Each row unit includes a catch plate for facingly engaging a flow of crop material and includes a facing surface having a nonplanar geometry. The nonplanar geometry is at least one of corrugations, scales, waves, chevron-shaped corrugations, weld beads, rods, and terraces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Eric L. Walker
  • Patent number: 8739505
    Abstract: A method of harvesting downed corn using a combine harvester equipped with a corn head having a corn rake mounted to the head. The corn rake includes pairs of rake tines mounted on a camshaft. With the camshaft rotating, the combine harvester is driven through the downed corn, the pairs of rake tines assisting in providing the downed corn to an auger area of the corn head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140130474
    Abstract: Adjustment of snout height and tension is provided for a combine harvester. The combine harvester includes a header having a plurality of row unit divider assemblies. The row unit divider assemblies include a bonnet portion, a snout portion, and a height and tension adjustment device. The height and tension adjustment device is coupled between the bonnet portion and the snout portion and is operable to adjust an angle and tension of the snout portion with respect to the bonnet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan D. Hulstein, Allan M. Cronen, Michael L. Banken
  • Patent number: 8720172
    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 therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Lohrentz, Robert A. Matousek
  • Publication number: 20140083074
    Abstract: Provided is a simple, inexpensive, truly feasible technical solution that readily permits do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Provided is a retrofit hinge kit adapted for use with square tube frames and methods for its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W. Kiel, Kenneth Ray Kiel
  • Publication number: 20140075909
    Abstract: A self-centering cover assembly for hinged row crop harvesting head comprises a cover supported on a base member, wherein the base member is positioned by springs to self-center with respect to two hinged sections of the harvesting head
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: DUANE M. BOMLENY, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, DOUGLAS VAN METER, NATHAN E. KREHBIEL
  • Publication number: 20140075908
    Abstract: A corn head attachment has a sweeper device extending across a working width of the corn head attachment. The sweeper device is attached to the attachment frame by support arms pivotable about a first pivot. The sweeper device position relative to the frame is adjustable by a longitudinal adjusting device parallel to the travel direction and height-adjustable about the first pivots. The adjusting device moves the sweeper device along a curved path in a first direction away from a first position, in which a rotary axle of the sweeper device is at a leading area of a harvesting slot, into a second position above a rearward area of the harvesting slot and also moves the sweeper device in opposite direction. The adjustment of the sweeper device along the curved path is controlled by a forced guiding action to avoid collision of the sweeper device with other corn head attachment components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: CARL GERINGHOFF GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klemens Surmann, Andre Hemmesmann, Bernd Albinger
  • Patent number: 8667769
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas C. Pierson
  • Patent number: 8640434
    Abstract: A removable divider for a row unit of an agricultural header. The divider is configured to be detachably retained by mounting portions of a frame of the row unit. The divider is retained by the mounting portions of the frame when the divider is in a first position relative the row unit for harvesting crop and is removable from the mounting portions when the divider is in a second position relative the row unit. Outward and parallel extending portions abut the frame of the row unit when the divider is in the first position but then allow the divider to be removed from the row unit when the divider is moved into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Lohrentz, Robert A. Matousek
  • Patent number: 8621835
    Abstract: A corn head includes a frame, an auger, and a finger. The frame includes a feeder house opening and a trough located in front of the feeder house opening. The auger is rotatably mounted in the trough and includes flighting for directing material into the feeder house opening. The finger is attached to the auger and extends radially outward from the auger. The finger is flexible and rotates along with the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dragotec USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Bollig
  • Patent number: 8590283
    Abstract: A rake for harvesting downed corn, including a mounting plate, a camshaft comprising a series of cams, and a plurality of support bars extending between the mounting plate and the camshaft. Rake tines are attached to each of the cams. A rotating rake implement mounted on a header with pairs of rake tines mounted on a camshaft and kickback arms attached to each pair of tines. A hydraulic motor is configured to drive the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: LeRoy Koehn, Eugene Unruh
  • Patent number: 8578689
    Abstract: A front attachment for a self-propelled combine harvester includes intake conveyor mechanisms arranged side by side having grooved conveyor wheels that rotate about a vertical rotational axis. Snapping units located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of crop flow have snapping rollers extending horizontally and transversely to the direction of travel. A transverse conveyor is equipped with opposing auger sections drawn together in the center of the front attachment. The grooved conveyor wheels include extending driving elements that engage via sections thereof into guide channels to pick up and convey plant stalks in the direction of the center of the front attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Luetke-Harmann, Bernhard Aerdker
  • Publication number: 20130283749
    Abstract: A tensioning system for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor extended over at least one drive sprocket and one idler sprocket, and a method for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor, in particular for example for a stalked crop harvesting header. The tensioning system comprises a first tensioning arm and a second tensioning arm rotatably connected to one another for rotation around a shaft onto which one of the sprockets is mounted, the second tensioning arm rotatably connected to a fixed point of a supporting plate, wherein the tension in the chain conveyor is maintained by rotational movement of at least one of the drive sprocket or the idler sprocket around a fixed point of the supporting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Dariusz Adamczyk, Stanislaw Kudla
  • Publication number: 20130283748
    Abstract: A harvesting header for a row crop machine has a tool bar with a plurality of row units attached thereto. Each row unit has a base and a pair of elongated row unit arms extending from the tool bar. The row unit arms form a stalk-receiving slot between facing inner sides of the pair of row unit arms. The row unit arms have outer sides facing away from the stock-receiving slot. The header has inner row braces, with each brace positioned forward of the tool bar and between an adjacent pair of row units. A first side of the inner row brace is attached to one of the outer sides of one of the row unit arms, and an opposing side of the inner row brace is attached to one of the outer sides of one of the row unit arms of an adjacent row unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Funk, Randy Lohrentz
  • Publication number: 20130276420
    Abstract: A rake for harvesting downed corn, including a mounting plate, a camshaft comprising a series of cams, and a plurality of support bars extending between the mounting plate and the camshaft. Rake tines are attached to each of the cams. A rotating rake implement mounted on a header with pairs of rake tines mounted on a camshaft and kickback arms attached to each pair of tines. A hydraulic motor is configured to drive the camshaft. A method of harvesting downed corn using a combine harvester equipped with a corn head having a corn rake mounted to the head. The corn rake includes pairs of rake tines mounted on a camshaft. With the camshaft rotating, the combine harvester is driven through the downed corn, the pairs of rake tines assisting in providing the downed corn to an auger area of the corn head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Taylor