Abstract: A device for blocking ejection of crop material from an auger platform of an agricultural harvester features a shield for lying along an axial direction defined by a rotational axis of an auger of the auger platform reaching forwardly over the auger, and a flexible guard attached to the shield to run along the width dimension adjacent the free edge of the shield to hang downward therefrom with the shield in the operational position. A floating connection arranged between the shield and one or more shield mounts attachment the same to the auger platform allow floating of the shield upwardly out of a normal operational position, which is user adjustable. A flexible seal maintains a sealed condition between the shield and the auger platform throughout movement of the shield and in each of several user-selectable operating positions.

Abstract: Methods for improving the agriculture of sesame, an Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) sesame class and methods for breeding IND are disclosed. The IND sesame holds its seed in capsules for four or more weeks after ideal harvesting time, during extended adverse weather conditions, thus offering the grower flexibility as to when to harvest. The methods also improve current agricultural methods for growing sesame by allowing growers to leave the crop in the field for a longer period of time without the loss of seeds and concomitant reduced yield. The grower is able to reduce the ratio of combine harvesters required for mechanical harvest of sesame crops. Further, a method of growing crops in geographical areas previously unsuitable for sesame agriculture is disclosed. IND allows ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed.

Abstract: A device for blocking ejection of crop material from an auger platform of an agricultural harvester features a shield for lying along an axial direction defined by a rotational axis of an auger of the auger platform reaching forwardly over the auger, and a flexible guard attached to the shield to run along the width dimension adjacent the free edge of the shield to hang downward therefrom with the shield in the operational position. A floating connection arranged between the shield and one or more shield mounts attachment the same to the auger platform allow floating of the shield upwardly out of a normal operational position, which is user adjustable. A flexible seal maintains a sealed condition between the shield and the auger platform throughout movement of the shield and in each of several user-selectable operating positions.

Abstract: A seed pan apparatus for attachment to a cutting header having a knife and cooperating knife guards mounted along a lower front edge thereof includes a seed pan adapted at a front portion thereof for attachment to a guard finger such that when attached, the seed pan extends upward and rearward from a front portion of the seed pan forward of the guard finger over the guard finger and knife to a rear end thereof located rearward of the knife. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the seed pan, and side edges of the seed pan diverge from a front end to the rear end. The seed pan is configured such that when the seed pan is attached to the guard finger, side edges of the seed pan are located between the attached guard finger and an adjacent guard finger on each side.

Abstract: A seed pan apparatus for attachment to a cutting header having a knife and cooperating knife guards mounted along a lower front edge thereof includes a seed pan adapted at a front portion thereof for attachment to a guard finger such that when attached, the seed pan extends upward and rearward from a front portion of the seed pan forward of the guard finger over the guard finger and knife to a rear end thereof located rearward of the knife. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the seed pan, and side edges of the seed pan diverge from a front end to the rear end. The seed pan is configured such that when the seed pan is attached to the guard finger, side edges of the seed pan are located between the attached guard finger and an adjacent guard finger on each side.

Abstract: A seed pan apparatus for attachment to a cutting header hang a knife and cooperating knife guards mounted along a lower front edge thereof includes a seed pan adapted at a front portion thereof for attachment to the cutting header such that when attached to the cutting header, the seed pan extends upward and rearward from a guard finger of a knife guard over the knife to a rear end thereof located rearward of the knife. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the seed pan, and right and left side edges of the seed pan diverge from a front end thereof to the rear end thereof such that the rear end of the seed pan is wider than the front end thereof.

Abstract: A seed collector device for a mower apparatus having an elongatged cutter blade, including a seed collection tray having an elongated transverse front edge mounted above the cutter blade and declining rearward in order to collect seed from the seed heads of the vegetation encountered by the front edge of the tray and the cutter blade, causing the seeds to drop upon the tray, and a transverse declining trough at the rear end of the tray for routing the seeds from the tray to a receptacle below the discharge end of the trough.