Abstract: A corn stalk guide system for reducing or eliminating the loss of corn stalks as they are guided into the grab rolls of a corn header. The corn stalk guide system generally includes a pair of guide members which may be positioned on opposing teeth of a corn header assembly to guide corn stalks into the assembly without being expelled by exposed sprockets. Each guide member is a tapered, plastic structure having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The first guide member will be secured to a first tooth via one or more fasteners extending through the one or more apertures and the second guide member will be secured to a second tooth similarly with fastener(s) and aperture(s). Each guide member will cover a sprocket which normally would extend out from the tooth, thus guiding corn stalks and preventing loss of corn stalks.

Abstract: A harvesting system is provided that includes a primary harvester for harvesting grain and biomass, a biomass harvester for further processing the biomass, and a tugger and accumulator coupled between the primary harvester and the biomass harvester. The tugger and accumulator includes an onboard power plant and an onboard propulsion system.

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.

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.

Abstract: A draper assembly for a crop pick-up has an endless draper belt assembly wrapped around a smaller front roller and a larger rear drive roller where the endless draper belt assembly is formed by four endless belts connected side by side at spaced positions along their length for common movement around the rollers. A tracking guide device is defined by a plurality of plastic guide elements mounted in a row on an inside surface of one belt at longitudinally spaced positions along the belt length which cooperates with a groove in the drive roller so that there are least two guide elements in the groove at any point in time. The guide elements are wider than their length and can be fastened through the belt so as to connect to the mounting of some of the fingers on the exterior of the belt.

Abstract: A corn head divider lift assist linkage comprises two members and a spring pivotally coupled together, wherein one of the two members is pivotally coupled to a row crop divider and another of the two members is pivotally coupled to a bracket that is fixed at the rear of two adjacent row units.

Abstract: A front attachment for a self-propelled combine harvester for harvesting stalked crop includes a number of intake conveyor mechanisms are arranged side by side, each of which exhibiting grooved conveyor wheels that rotate about a substantially vertical rotational axis. Snapping units are located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of crop flow are formed with snapping rollers extending horizontally and transversely to the direction of travel. A transverse conveyor is equipped with opposing auger sections via which harvested fruits are drawn together in the center of the front attachment and fed from there to a feed rake. The grooved conveyor wheels of the individual intake conveyor mechanisms include, on the outer circumference thereof, radially extending driving elements. The driving elements engage via sections thereof into guide channels to pick up and convey plant stalks.

Abstract: A corn head divider lift assist linkage comprises two members and a spring pivotally coupled together, wherein one of the two members is pivotally coupled to a row crop divider and another of the two members is pivotally coupled to a bracket that is fixed at the rear of two adjacent row units.

Abstract: The non-row sensitive corn harvesting unit utilizes a tine wheel tilted to have tines that extend forwardly and downwardly into a side region of a stalk receiving area bounded by a row divider and which move along an upward and rearward trajectory toward a moving stalk handling element bounding an inlet of a stalk processing or picking channel, for pushing stalks toward the path of the handling element, such that the stalk will be grasped and carried into the channel, providing enhanced non-row sensitivity as well as handling of downed stalks. A companion tine wheel can be provided on the opposite side of the receiving area and function in the same manner.

Abstract: A unitary plastic chain guide for a row unit is provided including 2 blocks, one disposed at each end of the chain guide, and a wall extending therebetween to guide the chain.

Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting system includes a primary harvester for harvesting grain and biomass, a biomass harvester for further processing the biomass, and a T/A coupled between the primary harvester and the biomass harvester. The T/A includes an onboard power plant and an onboard propulsion system.

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.

Abstract: A cantilevered gathering auger for a row unit of a harvesting header. The gathering auger cooperates with a striper plate to remove useable parts from crop stalks gathered in a crop passage and to convey the stripped useable parts rearward into a cross auger of the header. The useable parts are conveyed rearward free of obstruction to the cross auger.

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.

Abstract: An elongated member extending from one row unit of a pair of adjacent row units of a harvesting header to urge crop stalks in a crop passage between the adjacent row units toward a gathering auger on the other of the pair of adjacent row units.

Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting stalked plants has an intake conveyor mechanism that operates independently of the distance between rows, and a picking assembly located downstream thereof and transversely to the direction of travel, which separates the crops from the stalked plants and conveys them to a separate utilization, the plant stalks are guided in a guide channel from the intake conveyor mechanism to the picking channel, the guide channel is at least partially swept over, in the region of the intake conveyor mechanism, by driving elements of intake conveyor elements, which are situated in pairs and rotate in opposite directions, and, in the region of transfer to the picking assembly, the guide channel is at least partially swept over by driving elements of at least one rotating transfer element.

Abstract: The non-row sensitive corn harvesting unit utilizes a tine wheel tilted to have tines that extend forwardly and downwardly into a side region of a stalk receiving area bounded by a row divider and which move along an upward and rearward trajectory toward a moving stalk handling element bounding an inlet of a stalk processing or picking channel, for pushing stalks toward the path of the handling element, such that the stalk will be grasped and carried into the channel, providing enhanced non-row sensitivity as well as improved handling of downed stalks. A companion tine wheel can be provided on the opposite side of the receiving area and function in the same manner.

Abstract: A combine head frame includes a laterally-extending upper beam adjacent to the top of the combine head and a laterally-extending lower beam adjacent to the bottom of the combine head. A left lateral beam has first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to a left central portion of the upper beam and the second end is coupled to a left end portion of the lower beam. A right lateral beam has third and fourth ends, wherein the third end is coupled to a right central portion of the upper beam and the fourth end is coupled to a right end portion of the lower beam.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural harvester includes left and right row unit arms that are fixed together with the shaped support. The shaped support is bent to extend across the top of the row unit arms and down the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms. The shaped support is welded to the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms.

Abstract: A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone.

Abstract: Each row unit of a corn head can easily be converted between a first mode, wherein only ears are harvested, and a second mode, wherein ears together with stalks are harvested. In the first mode, a pair of snapping rolls is mounted for operation beneath each row unit frame for grasping corn stalks and pulling them downwardly through a narrow throat defined by a pair of laterally adjustable deck plates mounted to a top surface of the row unit frame. In the second mode, the snapping rolls are either removed or disabled and at least one stalk cutting disk is mounted on one of a pair of gathering chain drive idler shafts, mounted at the forward end of the row unit frame, for rotating above the frame. The snapping rolls are disabled by adjusting the deck plates toward each other to close the throat.

Abstract: A conventional corn head comprises side-by-side row units, each including a frame supporting a pair of snapping rolls below a pair of gathering chains for guiding corn stalks to the snapping rolls which operate to detach corn ears from the stalks, which remain attached to the ground. The row units are each designed such that they can be easily converted for harvesting the entire corn plant by adding one or more cutting disks for being driven together with idler sprockets of the gathering chain arrangement so as to sever the corn stalks from the ground. The gathering chains can also be replaced by chains including stalk grasping arrangements so as to better convey the stalks to a cross conveyor located behind the row units. The snapping rolls can be removed and their drive shafts shielded by deck plates located below the cutting disks when the row units are converted for harvesting entire corn plants.

Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting stalked plants has an intake conveyor mechanism that operates independently of the distance between rows, and a picking assembly located downstream thereof and transversely to the direction of travel, which separates the crops from the stalked plants and conveys them to a separate utilization, the plant stalks are guided in a guide channel from the intake conveyor mechanism to the picking channel, the guide channel is at least partially swept over, in the region of the intake conveyor mechanism, by driving elements of intake conveyor elements, which are situated in pairs and rotate in opposite directions, and, in the region of transfer to the picking assembly, the guide channel is at least partially swept over by driving elements of at least one rotating transfer element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for harvesting crop rows employ a plurality of pairs of residue guides to guide harvest residue into rows that are left behind the harvesting machine in the place of the harvested crop rows.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forage harvester having a header for harvesting crop from a field, a chopper for comminuting the crop harvested by the header, a spout from which the chopped crop is discharged and a rotary blower (10) for propelling the chopped crop from the chopper along an intake chute (18) leading to the spout. A deflector plate (14a) is provided at the entrance of the blower. The deflector plate (14a) is pivotable between a first position in which the crop is guided to flow in a substantially tangential direction relative to the trajectory of the blades (10a) of the blower (10) and a second position in which the crop is deflected radially inwards from the tangential direction to impact the blades (10a) of the blower (10) at a point along their length.

Abstract: A coppice header for a forage harvester adapted to be mounted on and powered by a forage harvester. The header including at the front side two circular rotatable knives, a feeding drum being mounted above each knife, said drums being rotatable about the same rotation axis as the respective knives, wherein each feeding drum is equipped with one or more flat hook-shaped extensions adapted to grab the cut stems in the region immediately above the rotatable knives. The header may also be provided with a front feed roll placed behind the knives and two additional feed rolls placed behind the front feed roll, wherein the front feed roll is equipped with guiding blades along the length of the feed roll. The blades have a central protrusion, so that the blades are longer in a region around the middle of the blade than at the lateral ends of the blades.

Abstract: Methods and systems for harvesting crop rows employ a plurality of pairs of residue guides to guide harvest residue into rows that are left behind the harvesting machine in the place of the harvested crop rows.

Abstract: A corn head end fender is configured to tilt outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to provide access to a row unit covered by the end fender during normal operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for guiding harvest residue at the time of harvest to prepare crops for strip-tilling operations. Embodiments of the invention include an attachment for a harvesting machine, and a method of harvesting a row crop in a way that directs harvest residue into relatively narrow strips, leaving strips of soil between the strips of harvest residue in better condition for strip-tilling. The management and placement of harvest residue during harvesting operations according to embodiments of the invention may improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of strip-tilling operations.

Abstract: A sensing assembly comprises a forward point for mounting on a crop divider associated with a header. At least one movable arm is capable of interacting with one or more plants standing in a field. A sensor detects a position of the movable arm. A mounting assembly operably supports the movable arm and the forward point, where a rear portion of the forward point is spaced apart from a forward edge of the crop divider and the at least one movable arm is located above a bottom portion of the forward point when the mounting assembly is secured to the crop divider.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting crops having stalks includes a plurality of mowing and intake devices for cutting and conveying the crop through a transverse conveying channel in a direction toward a longitudinal midplane of the machine. On each side of the midplane there is provided a deflection channel, which curves rearward in an arc from a direction extending perpendicular to a forward direction of travel of the machine toward an intake channel arranged along the midplane at a rear side of the machine. A deflection conveying drum is arranged adjacent a rear side of the deflection channel to convey the crop coming from the transverse conveying through the deflection channel. An additional conveying wheel, which moves relative to, and has drivers sweeping through, the deflection channel is formed separate from the mowing and intake devices and is arranged on the same side of the midplane as the deflection conveying drum, but has an axis of rotation forward of a forward side of the deflection channel.

Abstract: A stalk roll for a corn head row unit has a conical seat and a spherical seat for mounting the stalk roll on a stalk roll driveshaft of a row unit. Each row unit has a drive shaft with a corresponding conical portion and a threaded fastener with a corresponding spherical portion for capturing the stalk roll on the drive shaft between mating conical shaft and stalk roll portions toward one end and mating spherical shaft and fastener portions at the other stalk roll end.

Abstract: A material-guiding device in a mower-conditioner surrounds an upper front region of a crop processing rotor and is composed of an upstream-situated portion and a downstream-situated portion. The downstream-situated portion is adjustable relative to the upstream situated portion and is connected thereto such that the adjustment of the upstream-situated portion simultaneously leads to an adjustment of the downstream-situated portion, such that an adjustable angle ? present between the two portions is maintained and thus a uniform material flow is enabled.

Abstract: A corn head end fender is configured to tilt outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to provide access to a row unit covered by the end fender during normal operation.

Abstract: A header for a combine or harvester has a frame with a longitudinal dimension transverse to a direction of travel of the combine or harvester. Two moving belts are disposed on the frame to receive cut crop from a cutter and to move the crop from outer portions of the header towards an inner portion of the header. Each of the belts has a leading edge oriented towards the direction of travel of the combine or harvester and a trailing edge oriented away from the direction of travel and each of the belts has an inner aspect disclosed in spaced relation to an inner aspect of the other of the belts such as to define a gap therebetween, the gap receiving cut crop being transported longitudinally and inwardly from the belts. An auger with a cylinder and two end cones around an axis is disposed to urge crop from the gap and from the inner aspect of the belts towards a feeder house position behind the gap. The axis of the auger is forward of the trailing edge of the belt.

Abstract: A header for a combine or a harvester comprising a center portion of said header having a feeder house position disposed to direct cut crop from the center portion to a feeder house when the header is mounted on the feeder house. At least one lateral portion of the header is attached to the center portion by a frame hinge. A draper comprised of a frame and a belt disposed to rotate over the frame extends from the lateral portion to the center portion having a draper hinge. A cutter having a curving portion is disposed at a leading aspect of the header to cut crop. The frame hinge, draper hinge and curving portion along the same axis are parallel to a direction of travel of the combine or harvester. The lateral portion can raise and lower relative to the center portion by rotation around the axis.

Abstract: A sweeper for a corn harvester includes self-gripping paddle assemblies mounted about a drive axle. The self-gripping paddle assemblies have a plurality of paddles formed of flat plate stock with a high moment of inertia formed by stiffeners extending from the flat plate. The stiffener plates are orthogonal to the axis of the drive axle and to the base plate. The orthogonal plates have curved surfaces formed such that when the paddles are connected together, the curved surfaces grip the drive axle.

Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.

Abstract: The invention comprises a point and cover assembly for a row crop header including a point; a cover coupled to the point with a hinge; a latch fixed to the cover, the latch having a first spring-loaded latch pin for pinning the cover to a first row unit, a second spring loaded latch pin for pinning the cover to a second row unit, and a member coupling the two latch pins together that is operable by one hand to release both latch pins; and a point support fixed to the cover, the point support comprising an elongate member fixed at its rear end to the cover and having an adjustable point rest at its front end for supporting the point at a plurality of different heights.

Abstract: A combine head trough assembly comprises a curved steel panel having two openings passing therethrough, one opening being disposed at each end of the panel, the assembly further comprising two doors configured to respectively cover the two openings. The doors are pivoted between a closed position during normal combine operation and an open position to permit cleanout of crop material.

Abstract: An improved corn head includes a reel device that prevents debris build-up in front of a feederhouse. The reel device includes support arms, a crossbar between the support arms, and a number of radial bars extending from the crossbar. The reel device has a number of adjustments to optimally position the radial bars for removing debris. The reel device rotates to reduce debris build-up in the feederhouse during harvesting. The reel device is moveable between operative and inoperative positions from the combine cab using hydraulics.

Abstract: A cutting platform for a combine harvester is fitted with a crop divider that is pivotable relative to the cutting platform between a forwards projecting operating position and a retracted transport position. The divider is supported on a member that forms part of the cutting platform by means of a link which is secured at one end to the member in a manner to allow the link to pivot relative to the member about a first axis and which is secured at its other end to the divider in a manner to allow the divider to pivot relative to the link about a second axis which is inclined relative to the first axis.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing soybean losses in soybean headers, includes a plurality of retainers which may be engaged to a tray edge and each retainer comprises a plate having a substantially planar central portion ending at a lower end which is curved downwardly forming a rounded flange from which a portion providing two grooves is projected, and arranged at a slightly offset angle with respect to the central portion and the upper end of which is folded upwardly at an angle of approximately 45° from the central portion.

Abstract: A combine head trough assembly comprises a curved steel panel having two openings passing therethrough, one opening being disposed at each end of the panel, the assembly further comprising two doors configured to respectively cover the two openings. The doors are pivoted between a closed position during normal combine operation and an open position to permit cleanout of crop material.

Abstract: A combine head frame includes a laterally-extending upper beam adjacent to the top of the combine head and a laterally-extending lower beam adjacent to the bottom of the combine head. A left lateral beam has first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to a left central portion of the upper beam and the second end is coupled to a left end portion of the lower beam. A right lateral beam has third and fourth ends, wherein the third end is coupled to a right central portion of the upper beam and the fourth end is coupled to a right end portion of the lower beam.

Abstract: For a row crop header, a row divider having a variable-height ear saver feature. The row divider comprises a point, a cover, and a partition. The point has a trailing edge vertically moveable relative to the cover. The partition fills a resultant gap between the point and the cover, forming a variable-height ear saver feature. A crankshaft functions to articulate the trailing edge relative to the cover, and to move the partition vertically with the trailing edge. A support functions to support the point at a midpoint. A guide constrains the partition within the gap.

Abstract: A harvesting implement for the harvesting of stalk-like plants comprising an intake arrangement for taking up plants located on a field and a stalk divider arranged ahead of the intake arrangement in the forward direction. The crop divider is supported in bearings so that it is free to move relative to the intake arrangement when it is in its harvesting position. The stalk divider is free to move in the sideways direction, that extends transverse to the forward direction.

Abstract: A crop divider for a harvesting assembly is provided with a foldable deflector. The deflector is mounted to the harvesting assembly by a pivot link having a pivot axis. The deflector can be folded about the pivot axis between an operating position and a transport position. The crop divider can be fixed in the operative position by an arresting element. In the operating position the arresting element surrounds the pivot link and locks the pivot link in place.