Abstract: A dewatering press which is particularly suited for use on a self-propelled vehicle designed to field process alfalfa for obtaining therefrom fiber and protein components and a deproteinized liquid component which is simultaneously applied on the field as the vehicle advances. The dewatering press includes a pair of conical pressure members mounted in a frame assembly which provides outward and downward pivotal movement of the conical members to afford access to the interior of the press. Material to be pressed is charged downwardly between the pressure members as they are rotated slowly by motors mounted in the frame assembly, and after having passed through a pressing zone located below the rotational axis of the conical members, the pressed material is discharged outwardly by a deflector mounted between the conical members. Expressed juices are collected in a pan which extends along the lower periphery of the pressure members.

Abstract: Apparatus carried on a self-propelled vehicle field processes alfalfa to obtain therefrom fiber and protein components and a deproteinized liquid component which is simultaneously applied on the field as the vehicle advances. A specially-designed macerator for shredding the harvested alfalfa is disclosed. The macerator includes a cylindrical die ring having an open end and a series of peripheral apertures through which the alfalfa is extruded by means of a pair of rollers mounted inside the die ring for rotation therewith. The die ring is rotatably supported in a frame, and the rollers are coupled to the die ring for rotation in synchronism. A shroud surrounds the periphery of the die ring to collect macerated alfalfa, and an impeller is mounted inside the shroud for displacing macerated alfalfa downwardly through an outlet in the bottom of the shroud.

Abstract: Apparatus carried on a self-propelled vehicle field processes alfalfa to obtain therefrom fiber and protein components and a deproteinized liquid component which is simultaneously applied on the field as the vehicle advances. The apparatus includes a harvesting head assembly which is mounted on the front of the vehicle to cut the alfalfa and means to convey the alfalfa rearwardly to a macerator which shreds the harvested alfalfa. The macerated alfalfa is separated into fibrous and liquid fractions by a dewatering press which is connected to the macerator by a conveyor. The fibrous fraction is blown rearwardly into a trailer pulled behind the vehicle. The liquid fraction is heated to a predetermined temperature and is pumped into a holding tank wherein the protein in the liquid coagulates and floats on the deproteinized liquid. The protein is skimmed from the deproteinized liquid and is collected in a storage container mounted on the vehicle.