Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for threshing plant material having seeds contained in pods. Preferably, an apparatus of the invention includes at least two threshing members between which plant material to be threshed is passed. The threshing members are generally constructed and arranged to exert a compressive force on the plant material as it passes therebetween. It is believed that the compressive force exerted on the plant material causes air trapped inside the pods to expand and force the pods open, releasing the seeds contained therein. Apparatuses of the invention include, for example, a pre-threshing apparatus, a vining machine and a harvesting machine. Preferably, an apparatus of the invention provides an efficient method for increasing the yield of undamaged seeds.

Abstract: A fresh market sweet corn harvester for removing ears of corn from corn stalks. The harvester is configured to be mounted to a drive chassis for over-the-ground travel and includes a lower frame with one or more cutters for cutting lower portions of the corn stalks at a cut height above the ground. Hydraulic cylinders extending between the lower frame and the chassis are actuated from within the chassis operator compartment to raise and lower the lower frame and adjust the cut height. An upper frame is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower frame, One or more gathering mechanisms and one or more stripping mechanisms are mounted to the upper frame. The gathering mechanisms engage upper portions of the cut corn stalks and pull the stalks through the harvester. The stripping mechanisms remove ears of corn from the stalks as they are pulled through the harvester by the gathering mechanisms.