Gatherers Or Guides Patents (Class 56/119)
  • Patent number: 7043891
    Abstract: A crop lifter auger is rotatably driven by a drive. The crop lifter auger has a first forward end and a second rear end. The drive drives the crop lifter auger at the first forward end. The first forward end of the crop lifter auger is pivotally mounted whereas the second rear end can be fixed into different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & CO KG
    Inventors: Clemens Rickert, Norbert Boeckmann
  • Patent number: 6948300
    Abstract: When harvesting forage in the form of a large round bale, for instance, there are times in which a windrow of forage material lies outside the side boundaries of the bale-forming chamber. This may be due to the windrow being made wide by machinery having driven through it, or by wind, or because of the need to turn the forage harvesting equipment tightly. A wide pickup, notably wider than the width of the bale-forming chamber, provides a solution to this common problem. Dual augers at each end of the wide pickup provide the force to direct the forage into a narrower path, to enter the bale-forming chamber. The orientation and size of the augers permits the pickup header to reside in the same location it would if it was not wider than the baler. Tines or teeth of various rigidities and shapes are provided in the pickup for more effective pickup of the forage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerry E. Bandstra, Bradley D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6823655
    Abstract: An improved rotomolded plastic harvester header side shield is disclosed. The shield is pivotable to an open position upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is generally molded on the inside to the operational components of the header to minimize the thickness and weight of the shield and double-walled, with a totally enclosed wall cavity, to maximize its strength and durability. The shield is also open at the bottom to permit any cut crop material and chaff that may enter the shielded area to continually fall through to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Underhill, Keith J. Comer
  • Publication number: 20040231309
    Abstract: A crop lifter auger is rotatably driven by a drive. The crop lifter auger has a first forward end and a second rear end. The drive drives the crop lifter auger at the first forward end. The first forward end of the crop lifter auger is pivotally mounted whereas the second rear end can be fixed into different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Clemens Rickert, Norbert Boeckmann
  • Patent number: 6817168
    Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a shield vertically pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6782682
    Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-type crops includes a crop conveyor wheel mounted for rotation about an approximately vertical axis and provided with recesses that are distributed over its circumference and designed as receptacles for plant stalks. A stationary shield is fixed directly above the conveyor wheel and includes an outer region located above an outer portion of the conveyor wheel just inwardly of the recesses of the surface of the conveyor wheel. In order to improve the crop transport and to prevent the loss of corn cobs, the shield is provided with an arcuate cutout located between the outer region and an inner region of the shield, the cutout having an open end located adjacent to the crop flow received by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Steppat
  • Patent number: 6769237
    Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20040107684
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Freddy Slabbinck, Dirk Vandenbroucke
  • Publication number: 20040107685
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Alfons Resing, Richard Wuebbels
  • Patent number: 6729117
    Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various embodiments, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: David S. Frazer
  • Patent number: 6672042
    Abstract: A sweeper apparatus for attachment to corn heads mounted on combines used in harvesting corn. The apparatus includes pivotally movable extended arms which are mounted on the corn head and are positionally adjusted with respect to the corn head by hydraulic cylinders. The outer ends of the arms support a rotatable axel which is driven by an adjustable speed motor and drive assembly. A plurality of spaced paddle assemblies are moveably attached to the rotatable axel. Spacers having various lengths are positioned over the axel and between the paddle assemblies to properly space and align the paddle assemblies to correspond to various corn heads. Each paddle assembly includes a hub and a plurality of vanes with a triangular support plate positioned between the vanes to support the vanes. The shape of the vanes and hub, the inclusion of the triangular support plates and the paddle assembly spacers prevent clogging of the corn and debris in the sweeper apparatus and in the corn head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas K. Gengenbach
  • Patent number: 6658832
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a machine including several transversely spaced feed and mowing devices for mowing stalk-type crops. A transverse conveyor channel, through which the harvested crop can be conveyed at least approximately transverse to the forward driving direction, is provided on the rear side of the aforementioned feed and mowing devices, and a feed channel, through which the harvested crop can be fed to a chopping device, is arranged on the downstream end of the transverse conveyor channel. Provided and an intersection of the transverse conveyor channel and the feed channel is a deflector element that is mounted for deflecting downwardly and/or rearwardly plants that protrude out of the transverse conveyor channel such as to prevent them from becoming jammed in front of the feed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Company KG
    Inventors: Richard Wübbels, Norbert Wolters
  • Patent number: 6625969
    Abstract: A tip for the leading end of a crop divider of a combine corn head comprises a tip body of a durable low friction polymer which covers the snoot of the crop divider to reduce the incidents of clogging of the combine head as the head is advanced through the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Plastic Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary B. Glazik
  • Publication number: 20030126847
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a harvesting combine rotor includes a harvesting combine having a frame portion. A linkage assembly is operatively connected to the frame portion A cab is operatively connected to the linkage assembly to allow the cab to be raised to allow the installation and removal of a combine rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Matousek, Mark Epperly, Jon Ricketts
  • Patent number: 6588190
    Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-type crops includes a crop conveyor wheel mounted for rotation about an approximately vertical axis and provided with recesses that are distributed over its circumference and designed as receptacles for plant stalks. A stationary shield is fixed directly above the conveyor wheel and includes an outer region located above an outer portion of the conveyor wheel just inwardly of the recesses of the surface of the conveyor wheel. In order to improve the crop transport and to prevent the loss of corn cobs, the shield is provided with an arcuate cutout located between the outer region and an inner region of the shield, the cutout having an open end located adjacent to the crop flow received by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Steppat
  • Patent number: 6564536
    Abstract: A combine header attachment system for preventing grain and crop heads from falling onto the ground when the crops are being combined. The combine header attachment system includes a plurality of brace members each being designed for coupling to a header of a combine. Each of a plurality of channel members are coupled to an associated one of the brace members. Each of the channel members has a hook portion. The hook portion of each of the channel members extends from a free end of an associated one of the channel members. The hook portion of each of the channel members is for inhibiting the crop heads from falling off of the free end of the associated one of the channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Rod Hoffer
  • Publication number: 20030037528
    Abstract: A tip for the leading end of a crop divider of a combine corn head comprises a tip body of a durable, low friction polymer which covers the snoot of the crop divider to reduce the incidents of clogging of the combine head as the head is advanced through the crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gary B. Glazik
  • Patent number: 6513313
    Abstract: A support structure for a divider of an agricultural corn head that includes a first tension member that is pivotally attached to a second tension member. A stop is provided which prevents the lines of tension of the first and second tension members from aligning. The tension assembly can therefore buckle upwards when an object underneath the support structure is struck. A lateral support for the divider is also provided with a clearance opening for the tension assembly. The divider can be rotated rearward into a transport or a service position and securely locked in place. A shipping position is provided in which the support structure can be rotated rearward by disconnecting the tension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6502378
    Abstract: A forage harvester header includes a plurality of intake and mowing arrangements disposed side-by-side across the width of the header and adapted for being driven about respective upright axes. Located behind the intake and mowing arrangements and leading to a centrally located discharge channel is a transverse conveying channel having upright conveying drums associated therewith to aid in moving the harvested crop stalks toward the discharge channel. A table is provided across the top of the center two intake and mowing arrangements and mounted centrally in the table is a conveyor arrangement which operates to gather and deliver rearwardly any crop stalks which emerge from the transverse conveying channel and go across the table in the vicinity of the conveyor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Wübbels, Norbert Wolters
  • Publication number: 20020166314
    Abstract: Harvesting machine reaping systems with crop lifters have a bed plate (1) with projecting reaping fingers (2). A support bar (5) has a first end (8) and a second end (9). The first end (8) attaches on the bed plate (1). The second end (9) of the support bar (5) is connected to a grain lifter (10). A holder (11) is attached on the support bar (5) between the first end (8) and the second end (9). Retaining means, for example a pin (17), and pairs of bores, are arranged on the holder (11). The bores are distanced to the support bar (5). The pin (17) is insertable into the bores of one of the pairs of bores. The holder (11), together with the retaining means (17), are arranged such that a gap of free motion is formed. Thus, the support bar can approach the reaping finger (2) or its tip (16). The support bar (5) is rigidly formed, with respect to flexure, in the area between the second end (9) and the holder (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20020116911
    Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-type crops includes a crop conveyor wheel mounted for rotation about an approximately vertical axis and provided with recesses that are distributed over its circumference and designed as receptacles for plant stalks. A stationary shield is fixed directly above the conveyor wheel and includes an outer region located above an outer portion of the conveyor wheel just inwardly of the recesses of the surface of the conveyor wheel. In order to improve the crop transport and to prevent the loss of corn cobs, the shield is provided with an arcuate cutout located between the outer region and an inner region of the shield, the cutout having an open end located adjacent to the crop flow received by the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Manfred Steppat
  • Publication number: 20020083695
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatic adjustment of a transfer device on an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one sensor for determining the current position of the transfer device; means for adjustment of the transfer device; at least one navigation device located in the harvesting machine for determination of a first and at least a second navigated position of the harvesting machine in a field; and an electronic analyzer wherein the electronic analyzer automatically adjusts the transfer device through the means for adjustment as a function of the current position of the transfer device and the first and second navigated positions of the harvesting machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Gunnar Quincke
  • Publication number: 20020073673
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment to corn heads used in harvesting corn to make harvesting faster and safer. The apparatus is designed to allow adjustments in speed, size and number of corn head rows, and in positioning of the sweeper paddle assemblies to optimize how it helps in the harvesting. Thus, the apparatus is useable on old or new combines and in any field. This adjustability also allows a sweeper apparatus to be useable on many different models of corn heads and to be easily installed on different corn heads. Thus, the sweeper apparatus becomes a universal sweeper for all corn head designs and all configurations of corn harvesters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas K. Gengenbach
  • Publication number: 20020029550
    Abstract: A cotton harvester which includes at least one cotton picker unit for harvesting cotton from plants planted in narrow, parallel rows. The cotton picker unit comprises a cotton picker housing that supports a lateral plant lifter which extends forward of the housing and defines a plant row channel for receiving cotton plants planted in a row. The plant channel extends back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet which facilitates the picking of the cotton from the cotton plant by a picker rotor which is supported in the housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the compressor sheet. A doffer column also supported in the housing is near the picker rotor and removes the picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the cotton towards an outlet and through an exhaust chute for receiving the cotton. The cotton is then collected in an appropriate cotton basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Jesse H. Orsborn, Kevin S. Richman, Monroe C. Barrett, G. Neil Thedford
  • Publication number: 20020014064
    Abstract: An intake and plucking arrangement comprises a rotatable intake device that grasps a standing plant and directs it to a plucking gap. The plucking gap is located above parallel first and second stalk rolls that pull the stalk of the plant downwardly so that the plucking gap can separate the useful parts of the plant from the stalk. The upstream end of the first stalk roll is provided with a lower screw conveyor. A conveyor element is drivingly connected to the screw conveyor. The conveying element comprises an upper screw conveyor that is located above the lower screw conveyor. Both screw conveyors are located upstream from and above the inlet end of the plucking slot. The conveying element working in conjunction with the rotatable intake device direct standing plants into the plucking slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Wubbels, Norbert Wolters
  • Patent number: 6341481
    Abstract: A harvesting machine, such as a combine, has a number of laterally equispaced, side by side, rotatable augers (14) extending in a forward direction, each auger having a rotatable auger shaft (16) which is included upwardly towards the rear and an auger flight on the shaft. Inclined troughs (32) are located beneath each auger (14) with the auger flight (18) being rotatable in the trough. Inclined slots (28) are also provided which extend rearwardly from respective slot entrances at the forward end of the header, the slots being sufficiently wide to allow passage of stalks of material to be harvested but too narrow to allow passage of crop ears or other material to be collected so that the crop ears or other material to be collected can be stripped from the stalks by the action of the slots during forward movement of the header. The augers are rotated by a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: CLAAS Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Paul van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20010037635
    Abstract: A crop lifter is described that combines the lifting ability of a conventional lifter with the sickle protecting qualities of a sickle guard. Crop-lifting surfaces in the combination lifter and guard extend from a forward end of an extended guard finger to a rearward end located substantially above a sickle knife slot and substantially rearward of a leading edge of the knife slot. This arrangement has been found to reduce crop loss. Some versions of the combination lifter and guard include a crop-holding surface that prevents crop loss by preventing grain from spilling backward or off the front end of a cutter bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph R. Figliuzzi
  • Patent number: 6298643
    Abstract: A machine for mowing and chopping corn and similar stalk-like harvested crops has a number of drawing-in and mowing drums which rotate about a vertical axis and which are provided with protruding driver gear rims. The drawing-in and mowing drums are disposed in the transverse direction on either side of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the machine centrally ahead of a chopper which has an insertion duct which takes up the cut, harvested crops. The insertion duct is bounded above and below by two insertion rollers disposed at a height from one another and laterally by two conveying drums which are at a transverse distance from one another. The conveying drums transport the cut, harvested crops along and rotate about vertical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Wuebbels, Norbert Wolters
  • Patent number: 6282876
    Abstract: A crop divider is mounted in front of a ground wheel of an agricultural vehicle to divide the crop to pass on either side of the wheel. The divided includes two diverging divider sheets with two trailing side sheets. Each divider sheet carries a free rolling tine wheel parallel to the sheet and having a hub mounted on the divider sheet for rotation about an axis at a right angle to the sheet and a plurality of flexible tines extending outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub about the axis. The tine wheel is thus mounted in front of the ground wheel and behind the divider sheet with the hub and top tines prevented from engaging the crop by the divider sheet and the tines extending downwardly below a bottom edge of the divider sheet for rolling on the ground and engaging the crop to comb the crop toward one side of the ground wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger L. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6247297
    Abstract: A jackknifing row unit for a combine cornhead comprising a hood pivotally connected between a divider and a row unit frame. A four-bar linkage formed by a tension member and a compression member interconnected between the hood and the row unit frame supports the divider. The four-bar linkage is movable between the row unit operating position and the jackknifed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron T. Becker
  • Publication number: 20010003237
    Abstract: A feeding and picking device having a rotating feeding device that is rotated about a vertical axis. The device is able to work in fields not planted in rows and is designed to grasp plant stalks and feed them into a picking device. The picking device comprises a snapping channel formed by snapping bars under which is located at least one snapping roll. The feeding device comprises a disc having fingers that overlap the snapping channel. The feeding device is therefore designed to transport the plant throughout the effective length of the picking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Norbert Wolters, Richard Wbbels
  • Publication number: 20010003238
    Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is equipped with a header including intake and plucking arrangements which, in the case of corn, separate the ears from the stalk and conveys them in different streams to the harvester. The harvester has a conventional cutter drum that receives the stalks and cuts them into short lengths, and has a hammermill which receives the corn ears and chops them into small pieces. The corn stalk pieces and the chopped ears can be recombined and discharged from the harvester into a trailer as whole plant silage, or can be delivered in separate streams to separate trailers or separate containers of the same trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Company KG.
    Inventors: Norbert Wolters, Richard Wubbels
  • Patent number: 6244026
    Abstract: A crop lifter for the header assembly of an agricultural combine. The crop lifter includes a lifter arm in the form of a longitudinally elongated panel which has a lifting tip at its leading end. The panel is vertically oriented and has a crop lifting surface extending along its upper edge. Extending laterally of the panel are a pair of flexible crop lifting wings which expand the effective lifting area of the crop lifter. The crop lifting surface has an initially steep incline followed by a shallower incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: James William Minnihan, Jose Luiz Veiga Leal
  • Patent number: 6237314
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for harvesting stalk crops, with at least one conveying device revolving around deflecting elements for conveying the crop along at least one snapping roller constructed in one or more parts and associated with a snapping gap which is variably adjustable with snapping gap plates arranged in guides, wherein the conveying element of the conveying device provides traction with a tensioner running in a guide portion, preferably a chain, which is at least partly surrounded by guide elements, at least one of the displaceable snapping gap plates, or at least one tensioner and are made of elastic vibration-damping material. As a result the number of parts to be assembled or to be exchanged in case of damage is considerably reduced, and by the use of an elastic vibration-damping material, besides a reduction of wear-increasing vibrations, a reduction in the whole weight of the front attachment is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Claas Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Boll
  • Patent number: 6237312
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a stripper plate in a cornhead row unit includes two slots formed through the plate adjacent its outer edge. The slots define narrow plate segments from the outer edge. Arcuate surfaces are formed on inner and outer edges of the plate segments. An actuation arm associated with each slot has opposed fingers which engage a corresponding arcuate surface when the lever is manipulated to adjust the stripper plate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron T. Becker
  • Patent number: 6199703
    Abstract: The pepper harvester has a harvesting head, a primary conveyor, a shredder, cleaning and separating assemblies, a pepper sizer, a sorting bed and a discharge conveyor. The shredder is mounted above the primary elevator. First and second side plates of the shredder rotatably support three drums for rotation about parallel horizontal axes. The drums have a plurality of radially extending posts. The posts on a first drum project in between the posts on a second drum. The posts on a third drum project between the posts on the second drum. The drums are driven so that the first drum lifts crop material including some pepper from the conveyor. This crop material passes between the first and second drums, between the second and third drums and back to the conveyor. The posts on the drums travel at different speeds and shred cop material other than peppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory M. Boese
  • Patent number: 6196916
    Abstract: A combine chain and slat crop conveyor includes a plurality of feed drum chain guides. Each chain guide is a generally cylindrical ring which encircles and is attached to the conveyor feed drum and is shaped as a “W” in cross section. Each chain guide includes two outer flanges which extend away from the feed drum surface at an angle, e.g. in a range from 20 to 70 degrees from parallel with the drum surface. The angled outer flanges insure that, as a chain starts to wander out of its path, it will get tighter, which forces it back toward the center of the guide ring. Each guide ring also has an elevated center portion which directly contacts the chain rollers, thus providing a rolling surface for the chain rollers, which puts all relative rolling motion and metal to metal contact between chain roller and roller pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Agco Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt E. Childs
  • Patent number: 6119443
    Abstract: A corn harvesting attachment for attachment to a self-propelled harvesting machine such as e.g. a combine harvester is described, which can cut independently of the rows and pick the corn ears off the stalks in order to process them separately from the rest of the plants, for example thresh them out. Picking units are associated with the individual feed regions of the cutter bar, which comprise large conveying discs provided with edge recesses. The cut-off whole plants, which are picked upright, are transferred to the picking units either by means of clearing discs or by the fact that the receiving sections of the picking units enter the circle in which the conveying discs move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: CLAAS Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Rauch
  • Patent number: 6116006
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a detachable implement such as draper platform for a combine utilizes a platform-mounted pump supplied with return oil from the existing reel drive motor. The system utilizes the existing combine hydraulic connection for the reel drive to supply oil to the draper belt drive motors. Oil from the combine powers the reel drive motor and then flows into a manifold block (mixing chamber) before entering the inlet of the draper belt drive pump. This pump is sized to provide sufficient oil flow to power the draper belt drive motors, arranged in series. Return oil from the belt drive motors is routed back to the manifold block where it can mix with incoming oil from the reel drive pump before returning to the combine reservoir or being recirculated to the belt drive motors. The hydraulic system avoids the need to equip the platform with a complete hydraulic system and avoids the need to modify the existing hydraulic system of the combine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dale H. Killen, David Walter Kmoch, Thomas G. Teller
  • Patent number: 6101798
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting vegetation and applying chemicals to the cut vegetation. The invention comprises a housing having a cutting blade rotatably mounted within the housing for cutting vegetation to a predetermined height above the ground. A member is mounted in the housing and disposed rearwardly of the cutting blade relative to the operational direction of travel of the apparatus such that when the apparatus is disposed on the ground in an operative condition, the member extends below the level of the cutting blade for forcing downwardly stubble remaining following the cutting operation. A sprayer is disposed in the housing rearwardly of the cutting blade relative to the operational direction of travel of the apparatus and oriented to spray chemicals onto the stubble after the stubble has passed behind the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Southern Equipment Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Thagard, Mark J. Hulsey
  • Patent number: 6092355
    Abstract: A load indicator for a battery powered lawn mower is disclosed, which load indicator indicates to the operator when the power train of the lawn mower is being operated out of its designed parameters. A control circuit also reduces the initial amperage through the contacts between the battery and motor for the lawn mower appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: William Ishmael
  • Patent number: 6082084
    Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, a mower is provided which includes fly-by-wire electric steering through an electric mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ransomes America Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk W. Reimers, Dammika Weeratunga
  • Patent number: 6082082
    Abstract: A unique motor for powering a cutting unit in an electric mower is disclosed. The motor is mounted above the cutting unit. A second motor is provided to drive one or more accessories and is also mounted above the cutting unit. The motors are symmetrically placed toward opposite ends of the cutting unit. The second motor acts as a counterbalance to the first, so the cutting unit has similar weight on both of its ends. This eliminates the need for a torsion spring counterbalance system, allows increased mobility of the cutting unit, and facilitates servicing of the cutting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hunter, Dean A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6062011
    Abstract: A conveying device for stem-bearing crops which is provided with two rotatable circular blades and two rotatable housings above for receiving tines, is to be designed in such a way that the tines are fixed to the rotatable housing in such a way that the risk of breaking is substantially reduced, so that the service life of the tines is substantially increased. The tines are permanently inserted in bearing plates. Each bearing plate is mounted freely rotatably on a fixed bearing pin, the longitudinal center axis of the bearing pin being parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the cylindrical housing. On the bearing plate on the outside on two bolts are mounted roller bearings which roll over the control face of a control cam which is also mounted on the bearing pin. The control cam is not rotatable relative to the bearing pin, but slidable in the axial direction, and is pressed by a plate spring assembly toward the roller bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Uhlending, Ludger Gausmann, Hubert Buhne, Andreas Arnold, Uwe Amsbeck
  • Patent number: 6052978
    Abstract: A drive transmission for the feed rolls of a forage harvester includes a planetary gear set arranged such that an input shaft drives the sun gear while a further input shaft is provided by a reversible, variable speed motor that is connected to the ring gear of the planetary gear set so as to effect speed and direction changes in the output of the planetary gear set that is defined by the planet carrier. Thus, the length of cut of crop products fed to the cutterhead by the feed rolls is controlled by varying the speed of the motor in order to vary the delivery speed of the feed rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bernd Kempf
  • Patent number: 6032444
    Abstract: A non-row-sensitive forage harvesting header for attachment to a mobile frame carrying a chopper has a pair of rotatable cutting discs for severing stalks as the frame moves across a field. Positioned above the cutting discs are a pair of drum-shaped transfer devices rotatable in opposite directions about upright axes coaxial with the rotational axes of the respective cutting discs for gathering severed stalks to a central location between the devices. A pair of endless gripping elements extend about respective ones of the transfer devices and present opposed rearwardly moveable runs extending between the central location and the chopper when the header is attached to the frame. The opposed runs of the gripping elements are operable to cooperatively grip each gathered stalk therebetween while moving the stalk rearwardly from the central location to the chopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hay & Forage Industries
    Inventors: Maynard M. Herron, Howard J. Ratzlaff, Ferol S. Fell
  • Patent number: 6032445
    Abstract: A set of pans are provided for catching grain such as sunflower heads, that are broken from the stalks as they are being harvested. The pans are mounted onto the cutter bar and leave a space at the desired spacing of the rows of the crop being harvested. The leading ends of the pans are pointed, and have different tapers on each side. Every other pan is shorter than the intermediate pans, as well, for serving to guide the stalks positively into the slots for cutting. The pans catch heads of grain that might be broken or shaken loose and otherwise lost. The pans are pivotally mounted, quickly attached or detached, and the angle of the bottom of the pan can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Rick Heintzman
  • Patent number: 6003293
    Abstract: The pepper harvester has a harvester head with a head frame that is attached to a harvester frame. Each row unit has a right row frame that is pivotally attached to the head frame and a left row unit that is pivotally attached to the head frame. Both row frames carry a helical bar assembly that rotates about a fore and aft axis and forms a slot for the passage of pepper plants, forward ground engaging members, and a forward plant feeder with fingers that rotate about a generally vertical axis and extend through vertically spaced slots in a cylindrical member. Snout assemblies with lower edge ledges for lifting low fruit, direct plants into the feeder fingers and the helical bars. The harvesting head has conveyor assemblies that convey fruit to a shredder for shredding stems, a roller bed for removing stems, a fanning mill and a fruit sizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory M. Boese
  • Patent number: 6003291
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a body, a connecting mechanism, an operating device for pivoting the connecting mechanism into at least two working positions, transmission elements which include at least one gearbox, and a control mechanism intended to pivot the gearbox into operating positions corresponding to the working positions of the connecting mechanism. In accordance with the invention, the control mechanism is installed, among others, between the gearbox and the operating device. This control mechanism can also include a first control cylinder installed between the connecting mechanism and the body and connected in series to a second control cylinder installed between the body and the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Kuhn, S.A.
    Inventors: Rino Ermacora, Martin Walch, Bernard Wattron
  • Patent number: 5983612
    Abstract: A removable battery tray for an electric bunker rake. The battery tray fits on the frame of the bunker rake during operation, and can be easily removed by a hoist or other method so that the bunker rake can continue to operate with another charged set of batteries. The battery tray also has a central power connector that is used for charging and is the only electrical disconnect required when changing the battery tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Bauswell, Timothy A. Esser