Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the effects of dew are disclosed. The apparatus includes a moveable platform; a rotatable base, the rotatable base being connected to the platform; and a plurality of elongated rods for penetrating and spraying beneath the surface of a windrow. The rods radiate from a longitudinal axis of the rotatable base.

Abstract: A device and method comprising a large square baler with a pre-comprssion chamber that accumulates hay and moves it into the compression chamber, one or more near infrared specrocopy (NIRS) sensors mounted near the top of the pre-compression chamber, a means to read inputs from the sensors only when the stuffer forks are moving hayfrom the pre-compression chamber into the main chamber and a processor to average multiple readings from the nirs sensors from that inteval.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method implemented in an agricultural machine harvesting alfalfa plants, the method comprising: receiving, in real time, input corresponding to a plurality of sensed parameters corresponding to alfalfa plant height and cut alfalfa volume; associating the cut alfalfa volume to an alfalfa stem diameter; and automatically determining a feed quality value for the alfalfa plants based on the sensed alfalfa plant height and the alfalfa stem diameter.

Abstract: A method where the weight of the bale is measured by a scale on the baler, the moisture of the bale is measured by sensors on the baler and this information is sent to a processor. Based on compaction properties of the leaf verses the stem of the alfalfa, the processor calculates a feeding value for the hay including protein, energy and relative feed value on the dry density of the bale. Additional inputs such as the compaction setting of the baler and information about the hay being harvested can also be input into the processor for making adjustment to the feeding value calculation.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the moisture of a harvested crop, such as hay, in the pre-compression chamber of a harvesting apparatus, such as a large square hay baler. Measurement at this time provides a highly accurate and reliable moisture reading. The apparatus disclosed includes two or more sensors disposed at separate positions in the pre-compression chamber. The sensors sense electrical conductivity or RF wave transmission through the hay in the pre-compression chamber.

Abstract: The device that has been invented senses moisture contact of round bales as they are formed in the chamber of a round baler, by supplying voltage to a sensor located on one of the side walls of the baler and reading the voltage on a second sensor located on the opposing side wall of the baler.

Abstract: A continuous flow of a lineal object such as wire, banding or twine is tagged with the device of this invention with an adhesive-backed tag that is folded around the lineal object as it passes underneath and thru the device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for applying a biologically active or chemical substance to a relatively large volume harvested or pre-harvested crop includes relatively small container of a mixture biologically active or chemical substance and water in fluid communication with fluid conduit. A pump moves mixture from the bottle through the conduit. A source of pressurized air is in fluid communication with the conduit to aerate the mixture. The aerated mixture is expelled through a nozzle at distal end of the conduit. In one aspect, the controller can monitor speed of the pump by monitoring operating voltage of the pump. Speed of the pump can be adjusted to adjust application rate. In one aspect, a process combines a flow of air through an orifice with the metering of a low volume of additive, such as an aid to preservation, to a crop as it is being cut or harvested to provide for even distribution of the additive to the crop.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for applying a biologically active or chemical substance to a relatively large volume harvested or pre-harvested crop includes relatively small container of a mixture biologically active or chemical substance and water in fluid communication with fluid conduit. A pump moves mixture from the bottle through the conduit. A source of pressurized air is in fluid communication with the conduit to aerate the mixture. The aerated mixture is expelled through a nozzle at distal end of the conduit. In one aspect, the controller can monitor speed of the pump by monitoring operating voltage of the pump. Speed of the pump can be adjusted to adjust application rate. In one aspect, a process combines a flow of air through an orifice with the metering of a low volume of additive, such as an aid to preservation, to a crop as it is being cut or harvested to provide for even distribution of the additive to the crop.

Abstract: A device for sensing moisture in moving hay bales has a pair of star-shaped wheels situated to have points penetrate into the bale and be driven by the bale. The points establish electrode surfaces within the bale between which resistivity or conductivity of an electrical current may be measured and scaled to moisture content of the hay of the bale.

Abstract: The device that has been invented, sprays water into and around a windrow of hay evenly adding moisture to dry alfalfa to allow for baling at moistures above 14% and below 18%, reducing the losses of leaves due to shatter.

Abstract: The process of this invention uses 2 bars to tip alfalfa or clover hay forward while a third bar holds spray devices that deliver liquid chemical drying agents to the crop in such a way that most of the chemical is applied to the plant's stems and very little is applied to the plant's leaves. Effectiveness of the liquid chemical drying agents is maximized in this way.