Abstract: A chopping apparatus for cultivating crop fields that mounts to at least one of the wheels of an agricultural vehicle, tractor or like vehicle comprising a plurality of blades attached to a plurality of spaced arms. The plurality of spaced arms extend outwardly and lock in a fully extended position to consecutively chop foliage and thereafter scoop, plunge and generally penetrate field soil when the agricultural vehicle is in motion and the corresponding wheel is rotating. A second locked arm position accommodates vehicle transportation by retracting the blades inwardly and proximate a center portion of the agricultural vehicle wheel. Each arm is spring biased to facilitate blade impact with a rigid object, such as a rock or the like, by allowing each arm to travel inwardly when a substantial force is imparted on any of the blades.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus is disclosed for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: A windrower platform is constructed with a full-length, upper center-feed auger which counter rotates relative to and cooperates with lower, right- and left-hand cantilever-mounted augers to convey harvested crop to form a windrow on the ground at a central discharge zone of the platform. The various driven elements of the platform are driven from a main power distribution gear box having an input shaft coupled for being driven by a reversible hydraulic fluid motor. The upper auger is used for transmitting power to the opposite side of the platform from the main power distribution gear box and a transmission assembly is provided at this opposite side for driving the lower right-hand auger in a direction opposite to that of the upper auger.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: A harvester platform is suspended from the implement main frame by a linkage including a pair of lower transversely spaced links each having rear and front ends respectively pivotally attached to the main frame and the platform. Associated with each lower suspension link is a hydraulic float cylinder coupled between the main frame and the associated link so as to exert a lifting force on the link. The amount of lifting force exerted by each float cylinder may be varied by adjusting the location of the anchor pin connecting the cylinder to the main frame through means of an adjustable bracket that carries the anchor pin. Side-to-side float balance of the platform is achieved through properly adjusting the anchor pin locations so that the float cylinder at the heavier end of the platform exerts a greater lifting force than the float cylinder at the lighter end of the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor.

Abstract: A method of harvesting crops of the type falling in the genus Brassica comprises lodging the crops using a crop pusher assembly transported by a tractor and including a stationary crop pushing surface which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly from an upper top edge to a position adjacent the ground. The surface is convex and includes a bottom pivotal flap for following ground contour. The standing crop is moved to a lodged position against the ground without cutting or breaking the crop stems. This prevents shattering of the crop by maintaining the crop in the lodged position and causes the crop to continue to mature by maintaining the stems without cutting or breaking. After the crop has matured, the lodged crop is cut with a header of a combine harvester for harvesting the crop.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A unique rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor after which it is deflected in rearward path by a variably positioned baffle.

Abstract: In a forage harvester having a mechanically driven front attachment and hydrostatically driven compression rollers, the front attachment can be disconnected from its mechanical drive and instead connected with a hydrostatic drive of the compression rollers so as to be driven by the hydrostatic drive.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable is attached to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower is provided with a platform including a reel which sweeps crop to be cut over a sickle cutterbar and into the nip of a pair of counter-rotating center-feed augers that, in turn, deliver the crop to the nip of a pair of counter-rotating conditioner rolls; and these driven components may be reversed to disgorge slugs of crop. The reversible drive includes a hydraulic pump carried by the traction unit and coupled to a motor carried by the platform. The hydraulic motor on the platform is coupled to power a main gear box which distributes power to the driven components of the platform. Operation of the pump is electro-hydraulically controlled with a single switch being operable to effect forward operation of the platform drive train, and with a second switch being designed to be moved and held in place to effect and maintain the drive train in reverse.

Abstract: A pressing or pelletizing device for compacting vegetable materials, in particular grass blades, is disclosed for use with a harvester. In order to reduce the pressing forces required for the pelletizing process, the pressing channels are heated up to a temperature above 100 degrees C. It has been demonstrated that by heating the pressing channels, local overheating of the device, which could otherwise lead to malfunctions, can be avoided. The pelletizing device has two co-axial hollow cylinders in which the pressing channels are delimited by radial lands which alternatively engage the pressing channels of the other hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinders are heated by means of a liquid circuit guided through the lands and linked to a heat exchanger that utilizes lost heat from the internal combustion engine of the harvester.

Abstract: A mobile green fodder conditioner operable to produce a forage mat of nearly uniform thickness and good coherence, the conditioner including at least one mechanically deformable cylinder disposed on a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes parallel upper and lower conditioning rolls with the upper roll having opposite ends respectively rotatably mounted in a pair of vertically swingable arms and thereby being moveable toward and away from the lower roll. Associated with each arm is a tensioning mechanism including a lever having its lower end pivotally mounted at a location just below a lower forward location of the upper roll when the latter is in a lowermost initial position. A rearwardly acting biasing element is attached to the upper end of the lever for yieldably urging the latter rearwardly. Mounted to the lever between its upper and lower ends is a cam follower which is located in contact with a cam mounted to the forward end of the roll support arm.

Abstract: An agricultural baler (1) having a duct (26) for the transportation of crop material to a bale case (10), wherein it is compressed into bales. Above the duct (26) is provided a loading device comprising a pair of cyclically rotating cranks (74), pivotably connected to a pair of levers (72) of a stuffing fork assembly (66). During operation the levers (72) are moved along journals (88) which fit in oblong slots (90) of said levers (72). The journals (88) are installed on pivotable members (94) which are forced upwardly in a first position against stop members (98, 100) by springs (99). Upon rotation of the cranks (74) the tines (70) of the fork follow a generally kidney-shaped path (92). When the tines enter the duct (26), the pivot members (94) are forced downwardly to a second position by the abutment of the journals (88) against plugs (106) in the slots (90), whereafter they are force upwardly by the cam member (102) of the cranks (74).

Abstract: An aerator for crops such as hay which is pulled by a tractor or other vehicle. The aerator includes a first header conveyor to lift a first swath from the ground onto the first header conveyor. A first hitch extends between the tractor and the first header conveyor. A first rear conveyor transports the swath from the first header conveyor and thereafter returns it to the ground. A second header conveyor lifts a second, adjacent swath from the ground onto the second header conveyor. A second hitch extends between the first hitch and the second header conveyor. A second rear conveyor transports the swath from the second header conveyor and thereafter returns it to the ground.

Abstract: A reinforced elastomer cover for use on conditioning rolls in harvesting machines for conditioning crop material. The roll cover comprises one or more layers or plies of reinforcing material interspersed between and bonded to layers of the elastomer. The reinforcing material preferably comprises fibers of synthetic polymers or glass. The reinforced elastomer sheets are placed on roll cores and bonded or otherwise secured to the outer periphery of the roll core. The reinforced elastomer sheets are also molded or machined to possess the desired tread pattern. The sheets may be assembled and bonded directly on a roll core and thereafter vulcanized; or the vulcanized sheets may be bonded or otherwise secured to the cores.

Abstract: A harvester for processing forage including a cutter, a conveyor and a preparation apparatus for forming a mat of forage, the mat exiting at the discharge end of the preparation apparatus. A separation roller is positioned at the discharge end of the preparation apparatus to separate the mat from the preparation apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mower comprising first and second processing rollers, drive elements that are used to drive one of the first and second processing rollers and transmission elements that transmit the movement of rotation from one of the processing rollers to the other. The transmission elements are installed in a housing and the housing comprises a first part and a second part, connected to one another by a joint with a geometric axis directed at least approximately parallel to the axes of rotation of the processing rollers. Each of the parts of the housing is, in addition, mounted to pivot at least approximately around the axis of rotation of the corresponding processing roller.

Abstract: In a method of conditioning crop which is continuously processed by means of movable tools of at least one driven tool carrier, the components of the crop are introduced into spaces between the movable tools of the same tool carrier before at least the stalks are squeezed by the tools by narrowing the interspaces, and the components are subsequently discharged by increasing the interspaces again. In the apparatus for carrying out the method, tools (W) are elongated and shaped in the form of rods, fingers or bristles and are arranged on tool carrier (T) with interspaces (Z) approximately in parallel with each other and at a predetermined adjusted density (G1) at which transverse distances (a1) of at least stalk thickness (d) exist between adjacent tools (W).

Abstract: A crop conditioner has a frame adapted to travel along the ground, an upstream pair of vertically spaced ribbed rollers to which is supplied a stream of crop to be conditioned, and a downstream pair of ribbed rollers downstream of the upstream pair. A drive counterrotates the upstream rollers at a predetermined speed and thereby takes in the crop stream, conditions it, and puts it out toward the downstream rollers. A drive also counterrotates the downstream rollers at a predetermined speed which is different from the predetermined speed of the upstream rollers and thereby takes in the crop stream from the upstream pair, conditions it, and outputs it, normally laying it back on the ground.

Abstract: An auger arrangement is provided to prevent the build-up of material on a belt support roll of a conveyor-like structure including a plurality of rolls supporting a plurality of belts thereon in side-by-side relationship and being configured to define the baling chamber of a round baler. The auger is mounted such that its flighting passes closely adjacent the outer surface of the roll from which it is desired that adhering material be removed to prevent the build-up of such material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of forage material and other agricultural plants by crushing and impact maceration. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable, generally cylindrical crushing rollers and a rotatable impact rotor having outwardly extending projections such as fins. Forage material is first passed between the crushing rollers where force applied to the rollers flattens the tubular structure of the plant stem, splitting or creating longitudinal cracks and making the plant fiber more compliant and ribbon-like. Additional maceration occurs as the crushed material is next impacted by the impact rotor, resulting in further splitting and separation of the stems into ribbons. The resultant macerated forage material produced may be subsequently pressed into mats for accelerated field drying. The mats could then be harvested by either baling or chopping when the desired moisture content is achieved.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in an agricultural machine for conditioning crop material includes a hollow inner core and an outer shell bonded to the inner core. The inner core has a plurality of ridges extending generally lengthwise thereof. These ridges form a plurality of generally longitudinal lobes on an exterior surface of the conditioning roll. The inner core is preferably formed of extruded aluminum while the outer shell is preferably formed of a relatively thin layer of polyurethane, resulting in a conditioning roll that is lightweight.

Abstract: In a row crop harvester a rotor 11 has rows of crop engaging elements 15 extending transversely across the direction of forward travel of the machine, the elements being aligned with the rows to be harvested. Each element has inwardly coverging side edges for gathering the crop of a row and for detaching required crop parts which are impelled in a high-speed stream upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor beneath a hood 18. At the junction of each inwardly coverging pair of edges a space 21 is provided for stripping crop and releasing stripped stems. Preferably the space 21 is a relief space having re-entrant edges 20 for stripping forwardly facing parts of the crop.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes a main frame having a header connected thereto by a four bar linkage which permits the header to float over the ground during harvesting operation. The header carries upper and lower conditioner rolls with the opposite ends of the upper roll being respectively mounted to a pair of arms mounted for pivoting vertically such that the upper roll moves towards or away from the lower roll in response to crop density variations. A float spring assembly is provided at each side of the mower conditioner and each has its upper end supported by the frame and has its lower end pivotally coupled to a force transfer linkage that is pivotally mounted to the header for movement about a transverse axis and is pivotally linked to an adjacent one of the conditioner roll support arms whereby the force transfer linkage acts to transfer a lifting force to the header and a downward biasing force to the upper conditioner roll.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing crops such as hay, a cutter and a feed mechanism for feeding forage harvesters crops such as corn and sorghum, including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to the auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area to be discharged as a window or as a mass of material to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester.

Abstract: In a row crop harvester a rotor 11 has rows of crop engaging elements 15 extending transversely across the direction of forward travel of the machine, the elements being aligned with the rows to be harvested. Each element has inwardly converging side edges for gathering the crop of a row and for detaching required crop parts which are impelled in a high-speed stream upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor beneath a hood 18. At the junction of each inwardly converging pair of edges a space 21 is provided for stripping crop and releasing stripped stems. Preferably the space 21 is a relief space having re-entrant edges 20 for stripping forwardly facing parts of the crop.

Abstract: An agricultural mower having a cutter mechanism for cutting a crop, a reel for guiding the crop into the cutter mechanism and lifting the crop after it is cut, and conditioning rollers, the machine including a pair of parallel swing arms on each side of the cutter mechanism for permitting the cutter mechanism when it strikes an obstacle to swing primarily rearwardly initially and then upwardly to a clearing height as the arms swing pendulum-like, side support arms for the reel connected to the cutter mechanism by lift links constructed and arranged to raise the reel upon initial rearward movement of the cutter mechanism so that the reel assembly will also clear the obstruction without damage, and support arms for the conditioning rollers to allow the conditioning rollers to move rearwardly initially and then upwardly upon predetermined rearward movement of the cutter mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for forcing apart the upper and lower rolls in a crop conditioning apparatus is disclosed wherein the torsion bar operably associated with the upper conditioning roll to assert a biasing force thereon to urge the upper roll toward engagement with the lower roll is anchored against one of the lift arms pivotally supporting the crop gathering header for generally vertical movement relative to the ground. The anchor is in the form of a connecting link pivotally interconnecting one of the lift arms and an anchoring arm forming a portion of a hub assembly engaged with the torsion bar to effect rotation thereof to create the biasing forces exerted on the upper roll. The movement of the lift arms to raise the crop gathering header relative to the ground causes a reverse rotation of the hub assembly and the engaged torsion bar to lessen the biasing force exerted thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting crop including a rotor (11) mounted on a movable frame (12) and carrying a succession of transverse combs (14) each formed of an array of outwardly projecting teeth (15) traverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus through the crop. Each tooth (15) is pointed with side edges diverging away from the distal tip of the tooth. The rotor rotates in the overshot mode and the combs intrude into the crop and gather crop stems between adjacent pairs of teeth and detach grain and grain heads, or other required crop parts, by rubbing or breaking the parts free from the stems. The junction of adjacent teeth (15) preferably has an enlarged aperture (21) to assist striping and to allow withdrawal of striped stems. In other embodiments, the teeth may be replaced by a brush-like structure or by rods or other crop engaging elements, backed by plain transverse ribs for collecting and conveying detached crop parts.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism for a roll-type conditioning apparatus having a pair of generally vertically spaced, counterrotating conditioning rolls in which the upper roll is biased toward engagement with the lower roll is disclosed wherein a torsion bar interconnects the opposing ends of the upper roll such that any movement of either end of the upper roll away from the lower roll effects a twisting of the torsion bar to increase the biasing force exerted thereby on both ends of the upper conditioning roll. The torsion bar is connected to a mounting mechanism which includes a hub assembly pivotally connected to the frame of the conditioning apparatus on a pivot arm movably mounting one end of the upper conditioning roll. The pivotal connection of the hub assembly effects a rotational movement thereof whenever the pivot arm is moved to effect a corresponding twisting of the torsion bar connected thereto.

Abstract: A conditioning roll mechanism is disclosed for use on a mower-conditioner to provide uniform conditioning of crop material passing therebetween. Each conditioner roll is formed with a plurality of transversely extending lobes interspersed with corresponding troughs to provide an intermeshing configuration with the opposing conditioning roll. The configuration of the external surface of each conditioning roll permits the rolls to be mounted in a nominal working position in which a substantially uniform clearance is maintained between the conditioning rolls during rotation thereof to provide uniform conditioning of the entire crop material plant.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in a conditioning mechanism on a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein the conditioning roll is formed by a plurality of axially stacked lobed rings movably mounted on a core member rotatably supported by the hay harvesting machine. Key members affixed to the core and engaged with slots in the lobed rings effect a rotation of the lobed rings with the core. An oscillating mechanism is operatively associated with the lobed rings to position the lobed rings in a plane non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core. The oscillating mechanism effects an oscillating movement of the lobed rings during rotation of the core to provide a transverse movement of the outer peripheral surface of the lobed rings while in engagement with the crop material to effect a more aggressive conditioning thereof.

Abstract: A conditioning roll mounting structure is disclosed wherein the mounting shaft for the conditioning roll is permitted to be rotatably driven while permitted to reciprocate linearly transversely of the bearing apparatus. A bushing in the form of a support hub having an antifriction surface engaged with a non-circular conditioning roll mounting shaft is pressed within the inner race of a ball bearing whose outer race is secured to the frame of the hay harvesting machine. A drive mechanism can be attached to either the support hub or directly to the shaft provided that provisions are made for accommodating the transversely reciprocating roll movement. The structure permits the conditioning roll to be rotatably supported within the frame of the hay harvesting machine, while being capable of a linear movement between the non-circular conditioning roll mounting shaft and the support hub to which it is mounted. The non-circular mounting shaft can be in the form of splines or standard hexagonal configuration.

Abstract: A conditioning roll is disclosed wherein the roll has a hollow core of a predetermined length with a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly projecting guide rails detachably connected thereto around the outer circumference of the core. Each guide rail is associated with an elastomeric lobe having a predetermined shape and being mounted on the guide rail for axial slidable movement relative thereto. The guide rails are preferably of a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration to maintain the position of the lobe radially relative to the core.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes mowing elements for cutting hay and throwing the hay in a backward direction relative to a work direction, conditioning rollers mounted on lateral walls behind the mowing elements, and deflectors positioned at least partially in the path of the thrown hay. The deflectors are mounted adjacent the lateral walls. Each deflector includes an upright planar portion and a front portion. The planar portion is backwardly inclined away from a corresponding lateral wall so as to form a first angle with respect to the axes of the rollers. The planar portion is also angled by an acute second angle with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the first angle such that an upper part of the planar portion is closer to the corresponding lateral wall than is a lower part of the planar portion. The front portio is rounded about an upwardly directed axis and extends outwardly away from the other of the reflectors.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in a conditioning mechanism on a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein the conditioning roll is formed by a plurality of individual lobes slidably mounted on transverse guide members detachably affixed to a core member. Each lobe is connected to a lobe reciprocating apparatus for effecting a transverse reciprocating sliding movement with respect to the core of the conditioning roll while the respective conditioning roll is being rotated. The conditioning mechanism is provided with a pair of intermeshing conditioning rolls connected to respective lobe reciprocating apparatus so that the lobes on the respective conditioning rolls are transversely moving in opposite directions at the throat formed between the rolls through which crop material passes to be conditioned in an aggressive manner.

Abstract: A mounting connection for a feed roller removably connected between oppositely located frame sections of a cane harvester. A splined adaptor plate is connected to an end of the feed roller about its longitudinal axis and within the transverse width between the frame sections. A motor having a shaft with a pinion mounted thereon is operable to engage with the splined adaptor plate. The motor is removably connected to the outside of one of the frame sections and the pinion is of a diameter sufficient to be withdrawn through the frame with the motor. After removing a similar connection on the opposite side of the feed roller, the feed roller is free of any connection to the frame and may be lowered within the frame sections and removed.

Abstract: In a crop conditioner having a frame and first and second rolls each rotatable about an axis of rotation, a mounting assembly for the first roll includes a sub-assembly at each end of the first roll which permit the first roll to be pivoted relative to the second roll. Each sub-assembly has a mounting plate rotatably supporting one end of the first roll and supported on the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis which is generally parallel to and displaced from the axis of rotation of the first roll such that the axis of rotation of the first roll is movable relative to the axis of rotation of the second roll between a first position, a second position and a third position. The second and third positions of the first roll are progressively farther away from the axis of rotation of the second roll than the first position.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a cut-off mown-material carpet, the carpet is advanced through a processing nip 22 between two powered rollers 4 and 5 that rotate in opposite directions and have matching elevations 13 and 14 and depressions 15 and 16 in their surface, buckling the carpet. The carpet is advanced through the nip at different speeds at each surface of the carpet.

Abstract: A counterweight mechanism for use in conjunction with a conditioning apparatus having a reciprocating conditioning roll is disclosed wherein the counterweight is mounted within the hollow core of the reciprocating conditioning roll and connected to an ocillating mechanism to effect a transverse reciprocating movement thereof in opposition to the reciprocating movement of the conditiioning roll. The ocillating mechanism can include a cam mechanism operatively associated with the counterweight and housed internally of the conditioning roll to effect a linearly reciprocal movement of the counterweight in response to the rotation of the reciprocating conditioning roll. The counterweight can be slidably mounted on a non-circular shaft corresponding to the reciprocating conditioning roll so that the counterweight is rotatable with the conditioning roll yet is linearly moveable relative thereto.

Abstract: A conditioning mechanism utilizing a pair of counterrotating conditioning rolls for use in a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein at least one of the conditioning rolls is mounted for transverse reciprocating movement relative to the other conditioning roll. An oscillating mechanism is provided to effect the transverse reciprocating movement of the at least one conditioning roll upon rotation thereof. Associating the oscillating mechanism with both the upper and lower conditioning rolls permits a shorter stroke of linear movement for each respective roll while permitting a general counterbalancing of the movements thereof. A positioning of the oscillating mechanism to provide for the relative movements of the conditioning rolls to be slightly out of phase will insure a continuous transverse movement of the conditioning roll to be applied to the crop material passing therebetween.

Abstract: A crop conditioner for crimping cut crops to enhance rapid drying. The conditioner includes two crimper roller members mounted to a frame. One roller member is radially movable with respect to the other and has a constant bias toward the stationary roller when under load. The conditioner includes a drive mechanism at each end for positive drive of both roller members from both ends. The biasing means permits independent radial motion of each end of the movable roller member.

Abstract: A pull-type mower-conditioner has a main frame including a pair of laterally spaced, downwardly projecting legs. A lower conditioner roll has opposite ends rotatably mounted to the main frame while an upper conditioner roll is mounted for arcuate movement towards and away from the lower roll by means of a pair of laterally spaced, L-shaped roll support arms that are respectively vertically pivotally mounted to the pair of main frame legs and have forwardly projecting legs in which opposite ends of the upper roll are rotatably mounted. A header is suspended from the main frame for vertical floating movement by a pair of four-bar linkages respectively coupled to opposite ends of the header and coupled directly between upstanding legs of each of the roll support arms and a bottom link of each of the four-bar linkages is a float spring that acts to simultaneously exert a lifting force on the header and a downwardly biasing force on the upper conditioner roll.

Abstract: In a row crop harvester a rotor 11 has rows of crop engaging elements 15 extending transversely across the direction of forward travel of the machine, the elements being aligned with the rows to be harvested. Each element has inwardly converging side edges for gathering the crop of a row and for detaching required crop parts which are impelled in a high-speed stream upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor beneath a hood 18. At the junction of each inwardly converging pair of edges a space 21 is provided for stripping crop and releasing stripped stems. Preferably the space 21 is a relief space having re-entrant edges 20 for stripping forwardly facing parts of the crop.

Abstract: A crop conditioning unit in a crop harvesting machine, such as a mower conditioner, has conditioning rolls configured to define a non-uniform crop conditioning zone which tapers or flares outwardly at opposite end regions thereof to a cross-sectional size greater than the generally uniform cross-sectional size of the remainder of the zone. Tapered end segments of the conditioning ribs on at least one of the rolls provide areas of relief at the opposite ends of the conditioning rolls which define the flared end regions of the non-uniform conditioning zone and accommodate passage of a correspondingly shaped crop layer through the zone without causing uneven loading of the rolls. As a result, uniform conditioning of the non-uniform crop layer can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting crop comprises a rotor (11) mounted on a mobile frame (12) and carries a succession of transverse combs (14) each formed of an array of outwardly projecting teeth (15) transverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus through the crop. Each tooth (15) is pointed with side edges diverging away from the distal tip of the tooth. The rotor rotates in the overshot mode and the combs intrude into the crop and gather crop stems between adjacent pairs of teeth and detach grain and grain heads, or other required crop parts, by rubbing or breaking the parts free from the stems. The junction of adjacent teeth (15) preferably has an enlarged aperture (21) to assist stripping and to allow withdrawal of stripped stems. In other arrangements the teeth may be replaced by a brush-like structure or by rods or other crop engaging elements, backed by plain transverse ribs for collecting and conveying detached crop parts.

Abstract: The device for mowing and conditioning crops including a plurality of juxtaposed mowing rotors and a conditioner rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis immediately behind and extending substantially across the width of the mowing rotors. The conditioner includes a shaft with left and right pitched auger flights which join at approximately the longitudinal center of the shaft so that the cut hay is directed into a single narrow swath in the center behind the conditioner. Conditioning tools are secured along the outer edge of the auger flights and the conditioner is rotated in a direction causing an overshot movement of the hay from the mowing rotors.