Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header connected to the chassis. The header includes a frame and a plurality of row units connected to the frame. Each row unit includes at least one gathering chain having a plurality of protuberances affixed thereto and a rotational path, and at least one hood connected to the frame. The header also includes a down crop gatherer mounted to the at least one hood and having a rotational path, and a drive unit mounted to the at least one hood, operably connected in between the at least one gathering chain and the down crop gatherer. The drive unit is configured for translating a respective movement of each protuberance as the plurality of protuberances rotate with the at least one gathering chain to drive the down crop gatherer.

Abstract: A windrower with a header has a conveying medium with first and second portions connected with a pivot joint and moveable across a plurality of rollers configured to receive crop material from the header and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower. In an operational position and with the frame selected to one of the predetermined angular adjustments, the conveying medium discharges the harvested crop material at an angle of trajectory determined by the selected angular positon of the second portion. The windrower harvests crop with the header, receives the mowed crop on the conveyor system, adjusts a rate at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system, and adjusts an angle of trajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system.

Abstract: A shroud for the rearward periphery of the cutter knives on a rotary disc cutterbar that creates a floor surface slightly above and adjacent to the rotating plane of the knives thereby reducing the tendency for cut crop material to fall into contact with the knives along the rearward periphery of the cutterbar.

Abstract: A windrower with a header has a conveying medium with first and second portions connected with a pivot joint and moveable across a plural rollers configured to receive crop material from the header and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower. In an operational position and with the frame selected to one of the predetermined angular adjustments, the conveying medium discharges the harvested crop material at an angle of trajectory determined by the selected angular position of the second portion. The windrower harvests crop with the header, receives the mowed crop on the conveyor system, adjusts a rate at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system, and adjusts an angle of trajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved connection device for an attachment of a self-propelled work machine, comprising a first pivot lever (13), a second pivot lever (14), and a third pivot lever (15). The first pivot lever (13) can be or is connected to the work machine such as to be drivable (18) and pivotable (27). The second pivot lever (14) is connected to the first pivot lever (13) such as to be drivable (28) and pivotable (27). The third pivot lever (15) is connected to the second pivot lever (14) such as to be drivable (32) and pivotable (31) and can be or is connected (29) to the attachment. The pivot pins (27, 31) of the second pivot lever (14) are vertically adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a suspension axle assembly supporting the rear end of the chassis of the harvester. Side frames of the chassis direct loading down to a transverse axle through a pair of suspension devices interposed between the side frames and the axle. The suspension devices are resilient and expandable to cushion the chassis and to provide changes in the fore-and-aft attitude of the combine. The suspension devices may be independently operated to tilt the axle relative to the chassis, and provision is made for shifting the axle longitudinally, side-to-side of the chassis to facilitate turning of the steerable rear ground wheels.

Abstract: A reel mower has a drive and mounting system for easily and quickly installing a turf grooming attachment. A pair of bearing supports on opposite sides of the reel mower frame provides laterally spaced stub shafts between which the through shaft of the attachment can be nested. A pair of identical clamps releasably couples the opposite ends of the through shaft of the attachment to the adjacent stub shafts. Installation and removal of the clamps is sufficient to install or remove the attachment without requiring disassembly or lateral movement of the bearing supports or of the stub shafts rotatably journalled therein.

Abstract: A bi-directional drive system for turf grooming and brushing operations includes first and second accessory attachment assemblies connected to a reel deck assembly. A first drive housing connected to the first accessory attachment assembly has a first positive engagement drive member rotatable with respect to the first drive housing. A second drive housing connected to the second accessory attachment assembly has a second positive engagement drive member rotatable with respect to the second drive housing. An attachment member is releasably connected to each of the first and second positive engagement drive members and axially rotated in either a first or an opposite second axial rotation direction. First and second fasteners individually received through one of the first or second positive engagement drive members releasably couple the attachment member to the first and second positive engagement drive members. Attachment member removal is provided by releasing only the first and second fasteners.

Abstract: A bi-directional drive system for turf grooming and brushing operations includes a first gear rotatably connected to a reel deck assembly. A reel shaft gear is connected to a reel shaft and rotated in a first axial rotation direction. Second and third gears are rotatably connected to the reel deck assembly. A double sided cogged belt is engaged to the reel shaft gear. An attachment member defining a turf component is rotated in the first axial rotational direction by rotation of the reel shaft gear connected to the first gear by the double sided cogged belt without rotation of the second and third gears. The turf component as a turf groomer is rotated in a second axial rotational direction opposite to the first axial rotational direction by rotation of the reel shaft gear connected to the first, second and third gears by the double sided cogged belt.

Abstract: A device for removing plant material from a plant bed. In one embodiment, the device includes a frame with an oscillating cutter attached thereto. The oscillating cutter is disposed such that a cutting portion thereof is beneath the surface of a plant bed when the device is in use. A conveyor is also attached to the frame, the nose of the conveyor being disposed beneath the surface of the plant bed. As the device moves along a plant bed, the oscillating cutter cuts plant material, which is scooped up by the nose of the conveyor and transported to a desired location.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted leaf blower support platform is provided. The present invention comprises a substantially flat support surface, a vertical back surface to which an attachment arm is adjustably affixed, a pair of securement arms and a support bar for removably holding a conventional leaf blower in place, and a tube holder for ideally positioning the nozzle of the leaf blower supported thereon. The present invention is removably affixed to the rear portion of a riding lawnmower, or other similar vehicle, so that grass clippings and other lawn debris generated by the lawnmower is automatically blown away as the lawnmower travels across the yard by the leaf blower supported by the present invention.

Abstract: A two-stage harvesting system including a first stage harvesting apparatus and a second stage harvesting apparatus. The first stage harvesting apparatus takes a first crop portion from an agricultural crop leaving a second crop portion in a field. The second stage harvesting apparatus takes the second crop portion. The first stage harvesting apparatus and the second stage harvesting apparatus are connected together.

Abstract: A system for collecting biomass for the production of ethanol is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for collecting biomass. The method comprising: harvesting biomass with a combine, wherein a first portion of the biomass is substantially forced against the ground and a second portion of the biomass passes through the combine and forming bales comprising the second portion of the biomass. According to an aspect, the bales comprise a majority of the second portion of the biomass and a small part of the first portion of the biomass.

Abstract: A conventional cotton harvester having a bale-forming accessory attached thereto and an improved cotton harvesting method are disclosed herein. The disclosed device generally comprises a conventional cotton harvester having its basket portion removed and having a bale-forming accessory attached to the cotton harvester in place of the removed basket portion.

Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system, apparatus, and method for cutting, windrowing, and baling material in a single pass. More specifically, the present invention provides an assembly that connects a windrower and a baler in series and a mechanism for conveying material, such as crop material and/or material-other-than-grain, from the windrower to the baler directly, without discharging the material onto the ground after it has passed through the windrower.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

Abstract: A reel cutting unit of a reel mower is provided with a belt and pulley drive system for rotating the reel of the cutting unit at variable speeds when the ground speed of the reel cutting unit is substantially constant to provide different clips. The drive system has three pulleys of different diameter in engagement with the belt in drive, driven and idler positions. The pulleys can be interchangeably used in any of the positions by moving the pulleys around into the different positions in six different possible arrangements. The pulleys are selectively placed in one arrangement at a time to select the clip provided by that arrangement. A chain and sprocket drive system with different diameter sprockets may be used in place of the belt and pulley drive system. The belt and pulley drive system may comprise toothed pulleys and toothed timing belt.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural funicular traction system with electric propulsion, said system comprising two agricultural machineries, respectively one left-handed machinery (1) and one right-handed machinery (1), working as a couple, said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being technically identical, each machinery (1) providing a frame (2), with four wheels (3), a driving and reversible control unit (4), a hoist (5), provided with safety clutch (16), round which a cable (13) winds, jacks (9) for steadiness, on the working side of the machinery (1), towards the field to till, and weights (10) for steadiness (counterweights), means for independent and remote automatic driving, the work as a couple of said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being realized by means of said cable (13) having appropriate elasticity and tensile strength features, that extends, winding and unwinding during the work, between the respective hoists (5) of the two machineries (1), on said cable (13) being

Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.

Abstract: A foldable mower includes a telescoping flail conditioning system. The telescoping flail conditioning system includes a first tube having a first set of tines, a second tube having a second set of tines, and a first arrangement of corresponding slots extending through at least a portion of the first tube and configured to permit the second set of tines to extend substantially radially out of the first tube upon at least a portion of the second tube being positioned within the first tube.

Abstract: A mower is suspended from a frame and includes a header with a cutter. A tongue is pivotally connected to the mower frame and is moveable with respect to the frame by a hydraulic cylinder. At the front of the tongue is a front gearbox rigidly attached to the tongue. The front gearbox transmits rotary power from the power take off of the tractor to a rear gearbox pivotally attached the header and from the rear gearbox rotary power is passed on ultimately to the rotary cutting units. Pivoting of the rear gearbox is controlled by a steering connection operatively attached between the front and rear gearboxes.

Abstract: A low cost cotton harvester (10) utilizing a tractor chassis (12) operated in the reverse direction includes a row unit is located forwardly of the drive wheels (20), and a single operator station (36) is situated above the drive wheels (20). A basket (60) is mounted above the engine (22) and the steerable wheels (18). The transmission (26) on the chassis (12) includes a mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) output (30) located between the drive wheels (20) and the steerable rear wheels (18) which is connected to the row unit drive (50) to synchronize row unit drive speed with tractor drive wheel speed. The harvester fan (62) is connected to the existing power take off (PTO) shaft (32) on the tractor chassis (12) for operation independently of the row unit drive (50). Drop wheel axle structure (90) for the wheels may be used to provide crop clearance and to facilitate use of the chassis as a sprayer when the row unit (46) is removed.

Abstract: A reel cutting unit of a reel mower is provided with a belt and pulley drive system for rotating the reel of the cutting unit at variable speeds when the ground speed of the reel cutting unit is substantially constant to provide different clips. The drive system has three pulleys of different diameter in engagement with the belt in drive, driven and idler positions. The pulleys can be interchangeably used in any of the positions by moving the pulleys around into the different positions in six different possible arrangements. The pulleys are selectively placed in one arrangement at a time to select the clip provided by that arrangement. A chain and sprocket drive system with different diameter sprockets may be used in place of the belt and pulley drive system. The belt and pulley drive system may comprise toothed pulleys and toothed timing belt.

Abstract: A mower attachment, such as a string trimmer, is removably connectable to the forward end of a riding mower, such as a zero turn mower. The attachment is easily connected to and removed from the mower. The attachment has a control lever which is positioned on the attachment such that the attachment can be activated and deactivated by the mower operator using his or her feet, such that operator can operate the attachment and yet maintain his or her hands on the mower controls.

Abstract: An accessory drive attachment is provided. The accessory drive attachment may be attached to a lawnmower that has a hydrostatic transmission. The transmission system of the lawnmower may be used to drive a shaft of the accessory drive attachment. An accessory such as a leaf blower, air compressor, pressure washer, or electric generator may be attached to the accessory drive attachment and driven by the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: The method and system for vehicular guidance comprises an imaging device for collecting color image data to facilitate distinguishing crop image data (e.g., crop rows) from background data. A definer defines a series of scan line segments generally perpendicular to a transverse axis of the vehicle or of the imaging device. An intensity evaluator determines scan line intensity data for each of the scan line segments. An alignment detector (e.g., search engine) identifies a preferential heading of the vehicle that is generally aligned with respect to a crop feature, associated with the crop image data, based on the determined scan line intensity meeting or exceeding a maximum value or minimum threshold value.

Abstract: An imaging device collects color image data to facilitate distinguishing crop image data from background data. A definer defines a series of scan line segments generally perpendicular to a transverse axis of the vehicle or of the imaging device. An intensity evaluator determines scan line intensity data for each of the scan line segments. An alignment detector identifies a preferential heading of the vehicle that is generally aligned with respect to a crop feature, associated with the crop image data, based on the determined scan line intensity meeting or exceeding a maximum value or minimum threshold value. A reliability estimator estimates a reliability of the vehicle heading based on compliance with an intensity level criteria associated with one or more crop rows.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine configured to separate crop, particularly pomegranates, from a tree by straddling the tree as the machine moves along a row of trees. The machine has an inverted u-shaped main frame that supports a sub-frame that defines a harvesting area configured to receive the canopy of a tree therein. A motor supported by the main frame propels the machine along the row of trees. A pair of picking assemblies supported by the sub-frame each comprise a crop separating mechanism having a plurality of rods configured to engage the tree canopy and separate the crop from the tree, a motion inducing mechanism to impart a short duration, snap-like whipping motion to the rods and a canopy engaging mechanism to move the rods in and out of the canopy. An operator area allows the operator to drive the machine along the row of trees and operate the various mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for mounting an edge trimmer to a lawnmower, comprising a front clamp mounted to the lawnmower, and a rear clamp mounted to the lawnmower, wherein the front and rear clamps receive and support a shaft of the edge trimmer, and are adjustable to different angles with respect to a first axis substantially parallel to a surface on which the lawnmower rests.

Abstract: A processor for processing standing plants has a primary crop sub-system for processing upper parts of the standing plants and a secondary crop sub-system for processing lower parts of the standing plants, the primary and secondary crop sub-systems operable to process the respective upper and lower parts of the standing plants as the processor moves through a stand of the standing plants. The processor, as part of a field located vehicle, is operated to separate a primary crop such as corn cobs or grain from the standing plant at a first processor zone, and to separate a secondary crop suitable for bio-fuel processing from the standing plant at a second processor zone. Settings of the primary and secondary crop sub-systems can be made adjustable so that the relative lengths of upper, lower and root parts of the standing plants can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: An implement for raking a crop disposed on ground in a field has a frame adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover, the frame having a front end and a rear end and being adapted to be moved in a forward direction by the prime mover. A first raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the first raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form part of a first windrow. A second raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the second raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form another part of the first windrow. The inner end of the first raking device is spaced from the inner end of the second raking device, thereby forming a space between the inner ends of the first and second raking devices, a front end of said first windrow being disposed at least partially in said space.

Abstract: A drive train for a header of a harvesting machine comprising a variable length drive shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a first end having a first hinged connection which is connected via a drive element with a first shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a second end having a second hinged connection that is operatively coupled to a driven element in driving connection with a drive shaft of the header. The drive shaft drives harvesting elements of the header. A connection element is arranged to align the drive element and the driven element at least approximately parallel to each other.

Abstract: A high-capacity harvesting machine includes a first harvested crop take-up arrangement attached to the front of the harvesting machine and a first harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine to which crop harvested by the first harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed. A second harvested crop take-up arrangement is provided that is separated by a space from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement arranged offset to the side and to the rear in the direction of operation from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement, and the crop harvested by the second harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed to the second harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine. In the case where the crop processing arrangements are choppers, there is provided a central discharge arrangement to which the crop from both processing arrangements can be conveyed.

Abstract: A high-capacity harvesting machine includes a first harvested crop take-up arrangement attached to the front of the harvesting machine and a first harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine to which crop harvested by the first harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed. A second harvested crop take-up arrangement is provided that is separated by a space from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement arranged offset to the side and to the rear in the direction of operation from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement, and the crop harvested by the second harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed to the second harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine. In the case where the crop processing arrangements are choppers, there is provided a central discharge arrangement to which the crop from both processing arrangements can be conveyed.

Abstract: A rotatable drive for a feeder and a header of an agricultural combine for drivingly connecting spaced rotatable elements on the feeder and the header to a rotatable power source on a chassis of the combine, the feeder and the header being jointly mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a predetermined pivotal axis through a predetermined range of harvesting positions. The drive includes a first gear box mounted on the feeder for pivotal movement therewith and including a rotatable input, a first rotatable output rotatably connected to the input and to at least one of the rotatable elements, and a second rotatable output rotatably connected to the input. The drive includes a second gear box mounted on the feeder and having a rotatable input rotatably connected by a drive shaft to the second output of the first gear box and at least one rotatable output connected to another of the rotatable elements.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic or autonomous mower includes an internal combustion engine directly driving mowing structure such as a single blade or reel, or multiple blades or reels. Drive wheels are driven by one or more electric motors powered from a source including batteries and an engine-driven alternator. A controller connected between the wheel motors and the source and to a navigation system controls the wheel drive and steers the mower over a selected path. The mowing structure may be driven from the engine through a direct clutched or unclutched connection to the engine drive shaft, a belt drive, a hydraulic drive, or another similar direct drive arrangement which eliminates the limitations of an electric blade or reel drive.

Abstract: Multiple belt mule drive apparatus and systems for use with ground maintenance vehicles are provided. The apparatus may include two endless belts each engageable with a drive sheave of a prime mover and a driven sheave of a cutting deck. Each drive belt may further contact a guide pulley and an idler pulley on a tension side and a slack side of the belt, respectively. In one embodiment, the drive sheave has an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the guide pulley and the idler pulley associated with the first endless belt are, when the vehicle is in an operating configuration, located on a first side of a vertical plane passing through the drive sheave axis, while the guide pulley and idler pulley associated with the second endless belt are located on a second side.

Abstract: A working vehicle having a propelling transmission for transmitting power of an engine drive wheels, the propelling transmission being attached to body frames as offset to one side transversely of a vehicle body to produce a utility space in the other side, with a PTO apparatus for transmitting power supplied from the propelling transmission to an external working implement. The PTO apparatus includes an input shaft extending longitudinally of the vehicle body and drivably connected to the propelling transmission, and an output shaft extending parallel to and spaced from the input shaft and drivingly connected to the external working implement. A mounting mechanism system is provided to attach the PTO apparatus to vehicle body frames. The mounting mechanism system selectivety fixes the PTO apparatus in at least two pivotal postures about the input shaft.

Abstract: A ground tillage tool and a sickle bar having reciprocal cutter teeth are mounted to a frame, with the sickle being driven to reciprocate the cutter teeth in a vegetation cutting action forward of the tillage tool.

Abstract: The device consists of a tapered spline coupler for a drive shaft of a pull-type forage harvester. The first drive shaft and second drive shaft each have a set of tapered splines that are inserted into a tapered, internally splined coupler. A pair of retaining rings affixed to the drive shafts draws the shafts into the coupler. A retaining bolt may be tightened to force the shafts into the coupler.

Abstract: A lawn aerator that is attachable to a piece of mechanized lawn care equipment, such as a self-propelled lawn mower, lawn tractor and the like, for aerating a lawn. The lawn aerator includes a frame having first and second opposite ends, with the frame including mounting structure connected thereto adjacent the first end to enable mounting of the frame to the piece of mechanized lawn care equipment. In addition, an aerator assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame so that the aerator assembly is pivotable relative to the frame between a ground engaging position and a disengaged position. The aerator assembly includes a plurality of caster assemblies each of which includes at least one tine head assembly including an aerator wheel connected to a pivot head.