Abstract: An autonomous robot for harvesting produce from a plant include a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end-effector coupled to the arm. The end-effector includes one or more grippers, each having a first cutter, second cutter, and a compliant member between the first cutter and the second cutter. The first cutter is configured to cut a stem of the produce at a first location. The second cutter is configured to cut the stem of the produce at a second location. The compliant member is configured to plastically deform to hold the stem of the produce.

Abstract: A camera captures an image of a portion of a cart and accesses stored maps that map visual features of carts to a set of settings that are applied to an automatic fill control system. A map that matches visual features of the cart, in the captured image, is identified and the settings in that map are applied to the automatic fill control system.

Abstract: An elevator assembly for a harvester may include an elevator extending within between proximal and distal ends. The elevator may be configured to carry harvested crops between its proximal and distal ends. The elevator assembly may also include a storage hopper at a location adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. The storage hopper may include a rear deflector and a hopper gate. The hopper gate may be movable between a discharge position, at which the hopper gate exposes a discharge opening of the storage hopper, and a storage position, at which the hopper gate covers the discharge opening to prevent harvested crops from being discharged from the elevator assembly. Additionally, when the hopper gate is moved to the storage position, the hopper gate and the rear deflector may at least partially define a storage volume adjacent to the distal end of the elevator for storing the harvested crop.

Abstract: A spreader configured for dispersing a non-grain crop material onto a field. The spreader includes a floor panel having a distal end, a pair of side deflectors pivotally connected to the floor panel, and a table slideably connected to the floor panel and slideable between a retracted position and an extended position in which at least a portion of the table is extended past the distal end of the floor panel.

Abstract: A swathing unit (12) for an agricultural mower (4) includes at least one side deflector plate (14) that defines one side of a discharge opening (18) and is adjustable between a wide swath configuration and a narrow swath configuration. The side deflector plate (14) is attached to a pivot mechanism (30) and is angularly adjustable about a pivot axis (X) between an inner position and an outer position. The side deflector plate (14) comprises a first plate element (20) that is attached to the pivot mechanism and a second plate element (22) that is attached to the first plate element and is adjustable to adjust the overall length of the side deflector plate. The second plate element is attached to a control element (32) that cooperates with a guide element (42) to control adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate. Movement of the control element relative to the guide element causes simultaneous adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate (14).

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member attached to a selected guard finger of a cutting header. A front lifting finger extends forward and downward from the base member at a first angle downward from horizontal, and a rear lifting finger extends rearward and upward from the base member at second angle upward from horizontal, where the second angle is greater than the first angle. A front end of the front lifting finger is at a front vertical location that is a first distance below a top surface of the table, and a rear end of the rear lifting finger is at a rear vertical location that is a second distance above the top surface of the table, and the second distance is at least twice the first distance.

Abstract: A control system (210) is provided for an agricultural harvester (200), the agricultural harvester (200) having an agricultural harvesting vehicle (202) and a harvesting head (204) mounted thereon, the harvesting head (204) further comprising a left side endless belt conveyor (214) driven by a left conveyor motor (312), a right side endless belt conveyor (218) driven by a right conveyor motor (310) and a center endless belt conveyor (220) driven by a center conveyor motor (314), the control system (210) comprising an electronic controller (300) configured to receive an electronic signal indicative of a roll angle of the harvesting head (204), and to electronically change a relative speed of at least one of the right conveyor motor (310) and the left conveyor motor (312) based at least upon the electronic signal indicative of a roll angle of the harvesting head (204).

Abstract: Improved headers of a combine harvester are disclosed. The headers include structure in the form of upper and lower infeed conveyors which cooperate to maintain compressive contact with a flow of crop material that is being conveyed by the belts to the header outlet regardless of the flow characteristics of the mat of material being conveyed. The result is a consistent flow of crop material being passed through the header which results in more efficient harvester operation and more productive crop yield.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester capable of improving the flow of grain from the header to a feeder house and reducing grain buildup about a void proximate an aft section of the header is disclosed. The header includes a chassis and a cross auger extending in a widthwise direction of the chassis. The header also includes a feed mechanism mounted on the chassis proximate a posterior end of the cross auger and within the void of the header.

Abstract: A header is formed with a middle section disposed on a main frame and at least two side sections disposed adjacent to the middle section on the main frame (2). A finger bar extends across the width of the header. At least one conveyor device (5) is disposed behind the finger bar and designed on the respective side sections as an endless conveyor belt. The belt is disposed adjacent to the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the finger bar laterally in the direction of the middle section (3). Drivable conveying elements are disposed on the middle section adjacent to the finger bar and the respective side section. These conveying elements receive and redirect crop discharged onto the middle section by the respective conveyor belts of the side sections.

Abstract: A grain conveyor for a combine harvester capable of increasing capacity and reducing component wear is disclosed. The grain conveyor includes a grain elevator, a transition chamber and an auger assembly. The grain elevator has an inlet for receiving a flow of grain. The transition chamber includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the transition chamber inlet and the grain elevator inlet. The transition chamber outlet has an asymmetric non-circular opening larger than the non-cylindrical opening of the transition chamber inlet. The auger assembly is operatively connected to the transition chamber and includes an inlet for receiving a flow of grain and an outlet in fluid communication with the transition chamber inlet.

Abstract: A harvesting header (100) comprises a frame (101) having a rear aperture (138). Crop is harvested and fed towards and through the rear aperture (138). A conveyor drum (136) is mounted above and in front of the rear aperture (138). The conveyor drum (136) has a cylindrical section (144) and frusto-conical end sections (148) on both ends of the cylindrical section (144). Retractable fingers (146) extend outwards from the cylindrical section (144) and from each frusto-conical end section (148). The retractable fingers (146) extending from the frusto-conical end sections (148) are angled towards the side.

Abstract: A conveyor region border for an agricultural harvester, in particular a forage harvester, having a conveyor surface. This invention effectively protects such a conveyor region border against wear because wear protection elements are arranged on the conveyor surface in a mutually spaced manner, and the wear protection elements have a support part connected to the conveyor surface and a hard-material element directly or indirectly connected to the support part.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method for controlling the transfer of agricultural crop from a harvesting machine to a transport vehicle comprises a loading container. The control arrangement is able to be operated to automatically deposit the crop during the harvesting mode successively at different points in the loading container, following a predetermined loading strategy, by means of a discharging device of the harvesting machine, where the loading strategy may be changed and/or a choice may be made between different loading strategies.

Abstract: A header has a middle section disposed on a base frame, and at least two side sections disposed adjacent the middle section and comprising a flexible cutter bar and at least one conveyor device located downstream of the cutter bar, which, on the respective side sections, is in the form of an endless belt disposed adjacent the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the cutter bar parallel to the longitudinal axis of the header in the direction of the middle section, wherein the side sections comprise a large number of supporting arms which are pivotably mounted on the base frame, wherein the supporting arms of the particular side section carry the cutter bar, and at least one supporting element is provided which carries at least one belt, thereby enabling them to move independently of one another.

Abstract: A draper platform (100) has a center endless belt conveyor (118) that is supported on and between first and second adjacent support arms (246A, 246B). The center endless belt conveyor (118) is releasable from a first support arm (246A) of the two adjacent support arms to pivot downward away from the first support arm of the two adjacent support arms a distance sufficient to slidably remove an endless conveyor belt (134) from the center endless belt conveyor in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the rolls (300, 302) that support the endless conveyor belt.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame, a draper assembly supported behind the cutterbar assembly for conveying severed crop materials received from the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms attached to and cooperatively supporting the flexible cutterbar assembly, with each support arm being pivotal about a lateral axis. The header further includes stop structure associated with a respective one of the support arms, with the stop structure located forwardly of the lateral axis and defining a limited range of angular support arm movement.

Abstract: A pivotably adjustable attachment apparatus for an agricultural vehicle includes an attachment connected to a mounting structure. The mounting structure is operatively connected to an adapter assembly in communication with a feed device for moving a crop from the attachment to a feed device for further processing of the crop. A frame supports the feed device over an uneven surface. An apparatus is positioned between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly. The apparatus provides a substantially non-sliding contact between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly in response to the mounting structure being directed to a pivotable movement with respect to the mounting structure, thereby providing a pivotable movement of the attachment in response to encountering the uneven surface.

Abstract: A draper platform (100) has a center endless belt conveyor (118) that is supported on and between first and second adjacent support arms (246A, 246B). The center endless belt conveyor (118) is releasable from a first support arm (246A) of the two adjacent support arms to pivot downward away from the first support arm of the two adjacent support arms a distance sufficient to slidably remove an endless conveyor belt (134) from the center endless belt conveyor in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the rolls (300, 302) that support the endless conveyor belt.

Abstract: A flexible platform jointed to a conveyor belt for a combined harvesting, chopping and spinning machine includes a central assembly of parallel augers and an oblique auger on each side of the assembly.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A flexible platform jointed to a conveyor belt for a harvesting, spinning, and chopping machine which improves the functioning of all the platforms width, and eliminating deficiencies related to material, cereal or grain transport, with a transporting auger in all its width, obtaining a more homogeneous and smoother material flow. The platform includes two conveyor belts (1,2) adjacent and parallel to each other. The conveyor belt (1) is movable and flexible and is located adjacent to the cutting blades. The conveyor belts (1,2) are located between central corresponding augers (3, 4) and retractile central fingers (5), facing the feeder.

Abstract: This invention is a dual function tree pruner and fruit harvester that use the same equipment for pruning and for harvesting. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine features: a Self-Propelled-Vehicle (SPV), computer controlled robotic arms, a Digital Imaging System (DIS), a Radar Ranger System (RRS), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Guidance System, Geographic Information System (GIS), a Power Pruner or Power Stem Cutter as appropriate, a fruit vacuum system, a fruit catcher, a fruit handling system, and a fruit bin loader. The operation is automated and the operator monitors and sets parameters. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine can prune a tree to a predetermined profile. The tree can be shaped per the orchard's requirements. The invention utilizes data obtained during the pruning process to find the fruit, and to remove the fruit while maintaining the fruit quality suitable for the fresh market.

Abstract: Harvesters selectively harvest agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One harvester includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears.

Abstract: A header has a middle section disposed on a base frame, and at least two side sections disposed adjacent the middle section and comprising a flexible cutter bar and at least one conveyor device located downstream of the cutter bar, which, on the respective side sections, is in the form of an endless belt disposed adjacent the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the cutter bar parallel to the longitudinal axis of the header in the direction of the middle section, wherein the side sections comprise a large number of supporting arms which are pivotably mounted on the base frame, wherein the supporting arms of the particular side section carry the cutter bar, and at least one supporting element is provided which carries at least one belt, thereby enabling them to move independently of one another.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt.

Abstract: A draper platform (100) for an agricultural combine that has a first frame section (104) with a first endless conveyor belt (132, 126) wrapped around a first inner roller (254, 258) and a first outer roller (251), the first outer roller (251) having a first axis of rotation; a second frame section (102, 106) supported on the first frame section (104) having a second endless conveyor belt (124, 130) wrapped around a second inner roller (249) and a second outer roller (251), the second inner roller (249) having a second axis of rotation; a first pivot joint (110, 114) coupling the first frame section (104) to the second frame section (102, 106), such that the second frame section (102, 106) pivots with respect to the first frame section (104) about an axis (108, 112) that extends generally parallel to the first outer roller (251) and the second inner roller (249), and in which the first pivot joint (110, 114) maintains a constant distance between the first outer roller (251), and the second inner roller (249) w

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 crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A draper platform (100) for mounting on the feederhouse of an agricultural combine, comprises a center frame section (104) configured to be supported on the feederhouse and supporting a first endless conveyor belt (132, 126); a wing frame section (102, 106) configured to be supported on a first side of the center frame section (104) and having a second endless conveyor belt (124, 130); and a first pivot joint (110, 114) coupling the center frame section (104) to the wing frame section (102, 106), the first pivot joint (110, 114) constraining the wing frame section (102, 106) to pivot with respect to the center frame section (104) about a generally horizontal and forwardly extending axis (108, 112), the first pivot joint comprising first, second, and third pivot couplings (308, 310, 334), wherein the first pivot coupling is a break-away coupling and is disposed forward of the second pivot coupling (310) and the third pivot coupling (334).

Abstract: The invention relates to a comminution device comprising at least one rotor and at least one counter-blade for the comminution of organic materials, earths, plant cultures or similar, wherein the organic material may be comminuted and transported to a trap device by means of the at least one rotor.

Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvester includes at least one platform section. Each platform section includes a frame, a cutterbar assembly defining a leading edge of the platform section, an endless belt, and a plurality of float arms pivotally attached to the frame. The cutterbar assembly is movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions. At least one float arm carries a roller which supports the endless belt and is positioned within a loop of the endless belt. Each roller is pivotable or removable relative to the corresponding float arm.

Abstract: A cane or vine pruning remover consists of abutting driven wheels which when moved along above vines or canes engage those rising between the wheels to strip them from the parent plant.

Abstract: A timing crank for a cylindrical conveyor of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a unitary body in the form of an elongate member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second end defines a second aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein each of the apertures are joined by a longitudinal slot extending between and being in communication with the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A draper platform includes a frame, a cutter bar, at least one conveyor assembly with two rollers, and a conveyor belt surrounding both rollers. Each of the rollers are mounted to a respective support frame that is independently pivotally mounted to the frame around a transverse axis at its rear end. An assembly for guiding the conveyor belt on the rollers is provided. It includes a ridge on an interior side of the belt and a groove within the roller. The ridge and the groove are provided in the vicinity of the rear end of the rollers.

Abstract: A draper platform includes a frame, a cutter bar, at least one conveyor assembly with two rollers, and a conveyor belt surrounding both rollers. Each of the rollers are mounted to a respective support frame that is independently pivotally mounted to the frame around a transverse axis at its rear end. An assembly for guiding the conveyor belt on the rollers is provided. It includes a ridge on an interior side of the belt and a groove within the roller. The ridge and the groove are provided in the vicinity of the rear end of the rollers.

Abstract: A crop conveying apparatus for laterally urging crop from outboard ends of a cutting header on an agricultural harvester toward an interior discharge zone for formation of a windrow or for feed to a subsequent crop processing apparatus. Helical flighting extending radially from a transversely disposed, rotatable central core defines a first profile for the auger apparatus adjacent each outboard end of the header and extending inwardly to a position near, but not co-extensive with the width of a crop discharge zone in the header. Auger flighting in the central portion of the header co-extensive with the width of the discharge zone opening features a variable profile that tapers from the first profile to a minimum profile centrally located between the side edges of the discharge zone opening to provide optimal movement of severed crop material into the discharge opening, resist entanglement and clogging of the crop material, and minimize the loss of seed from the crop stem.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: A device and method for cutting forage and lading the fresh cut forage onto a conveyor belt. The conveyer belt transports the fresh cut forage into a vehicle to transport the forage. The forage goes directly into the transport vehicle without being placed on the ground eliminating the need for additional runs to recover the forage.

Abstract: A windrow merger lift mechanism having on a pair of rotational axes, skewed with respect to each other, to manipulate a merger apparatus between working and non-working positions. When the merger apparatus is in a first, or working position, the lift mechanism positions it to receive crop material from the conditioner rolls with minimal losses. When the merger apparatus is in a second, or non-working position, the lift mechanism positions the merger apparatus to allow crop material to be discharged from the header/conditioner with the same efficiency as a windrower having no installed merger attachment. The skewed axes of the merger lift mechanism optimize the merger position in both the working and non-working positions by moving the merger apparatus in four distinct, but related degrees of motion as the merger apparatus is moved between the positions.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for harvesting and processing an upstanding crop, such as celery, in situ, the machine comprising a self driven vehicle supporting a plurality of harvesting and processing units.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A metal detection device for a working unit with at least one driven working element for conveying crop material has windings for generating electrical detection signals when metal objects are present in the region of the working unit, and the detection signals generated by the windings are detected in a time window, thereby enabling a more accurate identification of the metal object.

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 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 harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes a cutter bar supported on its frame transverse to the forward working direction and conditioning tools, which may be either tines or conditioning rollers, supported on the frame to span a distance transverse to the forward working direction. Auger flights are supported on the frame beyond opposite ends of the distance traversing the forward working direction for rotation about respective axes also traversing the forward direction, the auger flights beyond one end of the distance spanned by the conditioning tools being pitched in a direction opposite the auger flights on the opposite end of the distance spanned by the conditioning tools to convey cut crop material toward the conditioning tools. The auger flights are driven in a direction upward and forward from a lowermost point on their rotational path and are positioned over the cutter bar to effect clearing of the cut crop material therefrom.

Abstract: A crop header has a cutter bar with generally horizontal flail disks driven about generally spaced upright axes. At least two of the disks are mounted outwardly of a discharge opening and the outermost disk carries an impeller and at least one additional impeller is mounted inwardly and rearwardly of the outer impeller to carry the crop inwardly. The impellers are formed of angularly spaced bars which are inclined inwardly to a center waist to form an “hour glass” shaped impeller. A transfer roller transfers the crop upwardly and rearwardly from the disks to the nip of a pair of conditioner rolls and is at least as large as the bottom roll and carries high ribs forwardly inclined for an aggressive action on the crop with its axis above the cuffing plane and its uppermost edge of the ribs at or above the axis of the bottom roll.