Transport Conveyor Patents (Class 460/114)
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Patent number: 6976914Abstract: A rotary impeller for a tailings conveyor of an agricultural combine, for threshing tailings and propelling the tailings through a portion of the conveyor, including a mounting portion mountable to a rotatable member for rotation in a predetermined rotational direction about a rotational axis, a plurality of blades extending generally radially outwardly from the mounting portion, each of the blades including a surface facing in the rotational direction including a radially outermost threshing portion for threshing the tailings and propelling the tailings in the rotational direction through the portion of the conveyor, and a tailings deflecting portion disposed between the threshing portion and the mounting portion, the tailings deflecting portion having a convex shape for deflecting and directing tailings contacted thereby during the rotation in a radially outward direction into a rotational path of the threshing portion so as to be threshed thereby and accelerated through the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert A. Matousek, Jonathon E. Ricketts, James R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6974384Abstract: A tailings conveyor includes a housing for receiving tailings from the cleaning system, a first rotary impeller having threshing portions rotatable at a first speed for accelerating and propelling tailings along a predetermined path in the housing, and at least one additional impeller having threshing portions rotatable at a greater rotational speed for further accelerating and propelling the tailings along the path, such that the tailings collide with others of the tailings and against and along an interior surface of the housing for threshing the tailings, such that the tailings are progressively accelerated and threshed as they are conveyed through the conveyor. At least the first and second impellers are located in closely spaced relation for defining a threshing area within the housing and preventing build up of tailings that could lead to clogging and loss of efficiency and tailings throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: James R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6939222Abstract: A discharge spout arrangement of an agricultural harvesting machine through which harvested crop processed by the harvesting machine can be transported to a transport vehicle. The discharge spout arrangement includes a first spout element connected with the harvesting machine. A second spout element is mounted to and defines an extension the first spout element. The second spout element is slidably movable between fully retracted and extended positions respectively wherein a discharge end of the second spout element is spaced a minimum and a maximum distance from a discharge end of said first spout element.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Harald Grossjohann, Laurent Bissen
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Patent number: 6926603Abstract: An arrangement for the withdrawal of samples from a flow of harvested crop flowing in a conveying channel in a harvesting machine includes a guide element mounted so as to cover a sample withdrawal opening provided in a wall of the channel. The guide element is mounted for movement between a first position wherein it blocks the withdrawal opening, and in a second position wherein it opens the withdrawal opening and includes a region that is inserted into the conveying channel so as to forcibly deflect a crop sample through the withdrawal opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Georg Kormann, Werner Flohr
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Patent number: 6908380Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Dennis P. Silver
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Patent number: 6899617Abstract: A drive for a cleaning fan of an agricultural combine that provides resilient flexibility in connection to a structural element of the combine and/or to the fan for correcting or allowing angular misalignment and axial movement between an output of the drive and the fan input. In one embodiment the drive includes a resiliently flexible member connecting the output of the motor in rotatably driving relation to the rotatable input of the fan, the flexible member having sufficient resiliently flexibility so as to allow limited variations in relative angular orientation and axial spacing between the input and the output. In another embodiment a mounting element for mounting the motor to the structural element includes a resiliently flexible member for supporting and holding the motor in alignment with the fan while allowing a limited amount of relative axial and angular movement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Andrew Sahr, Kevin S. Schwinn
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Publication number: 20040266503Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a tailings conveyor housing. The agricultural harvesting machine provides a cleaning means for cleaning threshed and separated grain. The tailings conveyor housing collects tailings from the cleaning means and propels the tailings with a first impeller against a first rethreshing member and radially to a second impeller. The second impeller propels the tailings against a second rethreshing member and radially to a third impeller. The third impeller propels the tailings against a third rethreshing member and radially through the second opening and past a baffle, where the tailings are redirected back to the cleaning means and spread out over the cleaning means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: James Schmidt, Robert A. Matousek
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Publication number: 20040110547Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Glenn E. Pope, John P. Vandevoorde, Ryan S. Herlyn
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Patent number: 6743093Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Deere & Co.Inventors: Glenn E. Pope, John P. Vandevoorde, Ryan S. Herlyn
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Patent number: 6718746Abstract: A drive arrangement for selectively repositioning a discharge spout of an agricultural harvesting machine by rotating it about a substantially vertical axis includes a drive motor coupled to a driveline incorporating a slip clutch operable for interrupting power flow to the spout in response to the driving torque exceeding a predetermined threshold value so as to prevent damage to the spout and/or drive motor when the spout impacts or is driven against an obstacle. The overload clutch is constructed so as to resist spout movement after the clutch has interrupted the flow of power through the driveline and to automatically reestablish power flow once the cause for the overload no longer exists.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Marcus Hettiger, Peter Lipiceanu
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Patent number: 6682416Abstract: An apparatus for automatic adjustment of a transfer device on an agricultural harvesting machine includes a sensor for determining the current position of the transfer device; means for adjustment of the transfer device; a navigation device located in the harvesting machine for determination of a first and a second navigated position in a field; and an electronic analyzer wherein the electronic analyzer automatically adjusts the transfer device through the means for adjustment as a function of the current position of the transfer device and the first and second navigated positions of the harvesting machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Gunnar Quincke
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Patent number: 6669558Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a tailings conveyor housing. The agricultural harvesting machine provides a cleaning device for cleaning threshed and separated grain. The tailings conveyor housing collects tailings from the cleaning device and propels the tailings with a first impeller against a first rethreshing member and radially to a second impeller. The second impeller propels the tailings against a second rethreshing member and radially to a conduit in the tailings conveyer housing, where the tailings are redirected back to the cleaning device and spread out over the cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Case, LLCInventors: Joshua J. Wolters, Daniel J. Reints, Robert A. Matousek
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Patent number: 6638159Abstract: A harvesting machine, especially a self-propelled pick-up chopper for picking up and chopping corn, wilted grass, green feed and similar harvested produce, including an ejection elbow arranged after pulling in and chopping devices for transferring harvested produce to a loading space of an accompanying vehicle. In order to free the operator of the harvesting machine from the burden of the cumbersome positioning work after each change in the direction of travel, the ejection elbow can be swiveled by a motor controlled by a control device from a first operating position into a second operating position which corresponds to the first operating position of the ejection elbow mirrored in the vertical median plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbHInventors: Bernard Krone, Josef Horstmann, Bernhard Schniederbruns
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Patent number: 6632135Abstract: A grain module for an agricultural combine. The module includes a longitudinally elongated grain tank. An endless conveyor conduit receives grain from the combine's grain tank and selectively feeds it into the module grain tank or removes it from the module grain tank. The module may comprise the rear section of an articulated combine vehicle wherein the front section contains grain threshing and separating systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Robert Matousek, Dennis P. Silver, Jon Ricketts
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Publication number: 20030139208Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Case CorporationInventor: Dennis P. Silver
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Patent number: 6594979Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine has an attachment for picking up cut crop or for harvesting stalked crop and a processing device for chopping the crop. A curved spout is arranged downstream of the processing device for picking up the crop at a pick-up location and transferring it to a drop location on a transport vehicle. A control device adjusts an operating speed of the drive motor to idle speed, nominal speed, and a speed range below the nominal speed. The drive motor, when the attachment has a great working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a great length, is operated at nominal speed and, when the attachment has a minimal working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a minimal length, is operated at a reduced speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbHInventors: Bernard Krone, Josef Horstmann
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Patent number: 6547661Abstract: A machine designed to remove grapes from the bunch before making wine. The machine contains a flat sieve capable of letting only the juice and the grapes pass therethrough by a toothed roller driven in axial rotation and containing separating fingers associated with the sieve and animated in relation to the sieve by a movement relative to translation in a direction parallel to the sieve allowing separation of grapes from the stalk by an ejection effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Socma, SarlInventor: Joseph Ferrandez
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Patent number: 6484485Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Publication number: 20020083695Abstract: An apparatus for automatic adjustment of a transfer device on an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one sensor for determining the current position of the transfer device; means for adjustment of the transfer device; at least one navigation device located in the harvesting machine for determination of a first and at least a second navigated position of the harvesting machine in a field; and an electronic analyzer wherein the electronic analyzer automatically adjusts the transfer device through the means for adjustment as a function of the current position of the transfer device and the first and second navigated positions of the harvesting machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Gunnar Quincke
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Patent number: 6367234Abstract: The invention is a grain tank which pivots about an axis transverse to the direction of travel to facilitate grain flow to the unloading system. The grain tank is sloped and curved to allow the grain to be easily and completely discharged from the tank. Grain is delivered from the clean grain system to a first auger which transports the grain to either a second auger or bubble up auger. The grain can enter the grain tank by the bubble up auger or may be discharged to the unloading system via a second auger. While unloading, the tank pivots from its lowest position to its highest position, only as needed, to maximize output.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
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Patent number: 6366210Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Dwight D. Lemke
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Patent number: 6358143Abstract: The invention is a grain tank which pivots about an axis transverse to the direction of travel to facilitate grain flow to the unloading system. The grain tank is sloped and curved to allow the grain to be easily and completely discharged from the tank. Grain is delivered from the clean grain system to a first auger which transports the grain to either a second auger or bubble up auger. The grain can enter the grain tank by the bubble up auger or may be discharged to the unloading system via a second auger. While unloading, the tank pivots from its lowest position to its highest position, only as needed, to maximize output.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
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Publication number: 20020028703Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding device of an agricultural vehicle having a first auger, arranged on the floor of a collecting device for harvested crop. A second auger receives the harvested crop from the first auger. The second auger extends, at least across a portion of its length, at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the first auger. A flexible continuous feeding spiral extends through the first and second augers. The feeding spiral (44) is preferably flexible and coreless.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Walter Hirsch, Steffen Schlafer
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Patent number: 6350197Abstract: An offset auger feed assembly for use with a grain harvesting combine. A grain elevator is used to lift the grain into a storage tank on the combine. The grain elevator encloses a plurality of paddles connected to a continuous chain. Sprockets located at the top and bottom of the grain elevator support the continuous chain. An auger trough is connected to the bottom of the grain elevator. An auger positioned in the auger trough feeds grain into the bottom of the grain elevator. The shaft of the auger is offset from lower sprocket that supports the continuous chain at the bottom of the grain elevator in such a manner that the lower sprocket and the continuous chain do not interfere with the flow of grain into bottom of the grain elevator.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: William L. Cooksey, Robert A. Matousek, Daniel Reints
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Publication number: 20020014062Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Publication number: 20020011058Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Ben N. Dillon, Thomas E. Sparrow
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Publication number: 20020011057Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Patent number: 6339917Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Inventors: Ben N. Dillon, Thomas E. Sparrow
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Patent number: 6327899Abstract: A device for moisture measurement in harvesting machines, including removing material to be measured from a stream of crop material, supplying the material to be measured to a measuring chamber, an associated moisture sensor, and returning the measured material to the stream of crop material. One improvement is compulsory cleaning and/or emptying of the measuring chamber and/or of at least one moisture sensor. As a result, fouling and blockages are avoided.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Norbert Diekhans, Georg Eggenhaus, Winfried Wesselmann, Willi Behnke
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Patent number: 6319118Abstract: A seed package handling system for a test plot combine. A seed packaging assembly in the combine packages the seeds and deposits the packages onto a conveyor, which transports the packages to a first hopper. After the first hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the first hopper is raised on an elevator and then tilted so as to dump the seed packages into a larger second hopper. After the second hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the second hopper is tilted to discharge the seed packages into a wagon separate from the combine, which transports the seed packages to a processing facility. The movement of the conveyor and first hopper is controlled by a PLC.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Gary W. Clem, Inc.Inventors: Brian W. Carr, Donald F. Handorf, Nick Merfeld, Ryan D. Jensen, Scott A. Sporrer
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Patent number: 6293863Abstract: A seed package handling system is provided for a test plot combine. A seed packaging assembly in the combine packages the seeds and deposits the packages onto a conveyor, which transports the packages to a first hopper. After the first hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the first hopper is raised on an elevator and then tilted so as to dump the seed packages into a larger second hopper. After the second hopper has received a predetermined quantity or weight of seed, the second hopper is tilted to discharge the seed packages into a wagon separate from the combine, which transports the seed packages to a processing facility. The movement of the conveyor and first hopper is controlled by a PLC.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Gary W. Clem, Inc.Inventors: Brian W. Carr, Donald F. Handorf, Nick Merfeld, Ryan D. Jensen, Scott A. Sporrer
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Patent number: 6283853Abstract: Device and method of on-board weighing of harvested materials on a harvesting machine having a path for the harvested material. The device includes first and second weighing devices disposed near each other on a common support and being connected to an electronic computer. The first and second weighing devices are one of an electronic balance or scale. The second weighing device is equipped with a weighing platform which is installed in the path of the harvested material. A feed system is included which is independent of the weighing platform The method includes supporting a known fixed mass on the first weighing device, successively weighing the known fixed mass on the first weighing device, feeding, with the feeding system, the harvested material continuously and in successive lots onto the weighing platform of the second weighing device, weighing the harvested material on the second weighing device, and processing signals from the first and second weighing devices using the computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Pellenc S.A.Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Antoine Bourely
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Patent number: 6244955Abstract: A rotary conveyor being disposed above the straw walkers of a combine is provided with a rotating body and disappearing tines. The rotary conveyor is an undershot conveyor and is designed to more aggressively loosen threshed crop material passing over the straw walkers. The tines are eccentrically supported in bearings. The tines can move radially in through tines guides that are located in recessed regions of the rotating body. The recessed regions being parallel to the transverse axis of the rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Lutz Bischoff, Fritz Lauer
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Patent number: 6240711Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Patent number: 6233911Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Patent number: 6208259Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Dwight D. Lemke
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Patent number: 6155103Abstract: A device for moisture measurement in harvesting machines, includes means for removing the material to be measured from a stream of crop material, means for supplying the material to be measured to a measuring chamber, an associated moisture sensor, and a means for returning the measured material to the stream of crop material. One improvement is means for compulsory cleaning and/or emptying of the measuring chamber and/or of at least one moisture sensor. As a result, fouling and blockages are avoided.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Norbert Diekhans, Georg Eggenhaus, Winfried Wesselmann, Willi Behnke
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Patent number: 6125618Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Patent number: 6083103Abstract: In an agricultural harvester, a characteristic of crop material is sensed as the crop material is moved through a feed tube by an auger having flighting which terminates upstream of a sensing region. The auger flighting conveys crop material into the sensing region where it accumulates and then is pushed from the sensing region by further crop material conveyed into the region. This results in a more uniform packing density of the crop material in the sensing region where the measurement is made, provided the feed tube is oriented vertically or at a small angle relative to vertical. To obtain a uniform packing density when the feed tube is horizontal or inclined only slightly, a butterfly valve is provided downstream of the sensing region. The valve has flaps that are spring biased to a closed position to block the flow of crop material from the sensing region.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.Inventors: John H. Posselius, Mark O. Gardner
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Patent number: 6053811Abstract: An apparatus for use in combination with a combine for sensing the volume of tailings exhausted from a cleaning section of the combine and for providing a visual indication to the operator of the effectiveness of combine operation. The combine includes a mobile frame or chassis having an operator compartment arranged toward a forward end thereof. A threshing section of the combine separates grain from crop material delivered thereto. A cleaning section of the combine functions to remove chaff and tailings from the materials received from the threshing section. A tailings section of the combine is arranged to receive incompletely threshed and separated tailings from the cleaning section. The tailings section comprises a tailings conveyor for forcibly moving tailings toward an elevator that moves the tailings to one of the other sections on the combine for recycling.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1996Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Orlin W. Johnson, Dale W. Panoushek, Eric L. Walker, Mark J. Svitak, Robert C. Garms
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Patent number: 6047532Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a wide cutter for severing crop across a relatively large cutting width, and framework defining a discharge opening spaced rearwardly from the cutter. The discharge opening has a width that is less than the cutting width such that crop severed laterally outboard of the discharge opening by the cutter must be conveyed inwardly before passing through the opening. At least one laterally extending, rotatable auger is located between the cutter and discharge opening for converging severed crop centrally from the areas located laterally outboard of the discharge opening and to project the crop through the opening when rotated. The header includes an auger support for rotatably supporting the auger between its opposite ends on the header framework so that the auger is capable of spanning the long distance corresponding to the large cutting width defined by the sickle bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Hay & Forage IndustriesInventors: Michael O'Halloran, Dwight E. Nickel
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Patent number: 6039647Abstract: A grain sweeper mechanism having an auger supported in cantilevered fashion in front of a drive mechanism having a pair of wheels. A weight stack carried by the drive mechanism counterbalances the weight of the auger such that generally all weight is borne by the front drive wheel of the drive mechanism. The front drive wheel is operatively coupled with the outer end portion of the auger for receiving rotational power therefrom. An opening in a shroud of the auger extends generally the entire length of the auger. The drive mechanism is coupled with the auger shroud by way of an attaching mechanism which includes a slide member, channel member, threaded member and nut which allows vertical adjustment of the auger while hindering lateral movement of the drive mechanism with respect to the auger.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Agricultural Building Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Weikel
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Patent number: 6033305Abstract: A produce harvesting apparatus, such as for harvesting tomatoes, which includes apparatus for harvesting produce, such as tomatoes, which includes an enclosed vehicle and a first conveyor belt extending forward of the vehicle for moving produce and associated vines into the enclosed vehicle. The apparatus further includes a ventilation system for drawing air from within the enclosed vehicle and expelling that air through an outlet that is disposed in alignment with the first conveyer belt to direct exhaust air from the enclosed vehicle toward the produce on the first conveyor belt whereby some dirt is dislodged from the produce and vines disposed on the first conveyor belt. The apparatus may have the outlet disposed to direct a stream of air from the enclosed vehicle in a direction that is aligned with the axis of the first conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignees: Thomas Perez, Frank C. TenenteInventors: Thomas Perez, Frank C. Tenente, John A. Paoluccio
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Patent number: 6012272Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
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Patent number: 5980383Abstract: An attachment for an auger of a harvesting machine reduces or essentially eliminates residue build-up on the auger of the harvesting machine. The attachment includes a paddle, which is adapted to be secured to the auger between the flighting of the auger, and at least one projecting member which extends from the paddle and projects above the flighting of the auger for breaking up crop residue which tends to build up above the auger. The projecting member is secured to the paddle by at least one fastener, for example a bolt, a screw, or a rivet. Preferably, the projecting member comprises metal, plastic, or polymeric material, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or a high density polyethylene. In one form, the paddle and the projecting member are integrally formed to provide a unitary construction.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: William A. Medley
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Patent number: 5979151Abstract: A self-propelled chopper forage harvester has a flap assembly at the discharge end of a pivotable ejector pipe. A hydraulic actuator moves the flap assembly about a generally horizontal axis for directing the projection of the forage. The flap assembly is removably mounted so it can be either at a position at the top of the discharge end of the ejector pipe for filling open-top forage boxes or at a position 180 degrees therefrom and at the bottom of the discharge end for filling closed-top forage boxes.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Claas KGaAInventors: Lambert Sanders, Heinrich Isfort, Karl-Heinz Landwehr
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Patent number: 5976013Abstract: A combine harvester has a conveying channel for conveying crop material from the combine harvester's cutting mechanism to its threshing mechanism. The conveying channel has several conveying chains, which are guided on a lower deflection drum and on sprockets arranged on an upper drive shaft. A plurality of raking pins extend at a distance on both sides of the combine harvester, roughly parallel to the chain links, and provide a means for preventing the accumulation of grain in the region of upper deflection in the combine harvester. The raking pins have their free ends that protrude beyond the chain links. Furthermore, the raking pins advantageously are constructed as bolts which are attached along with the conveying bars to the conveying chains.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventor: Gerhard Hamann
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Patent number: 5941768Abstract: A corn cob collection apparatus is described which may be pulled behind a combine so that the corn plant residue being discharged from the combine will be collected by the apparatus with the apparatus separating the stalks, husks, etc., from the heavier cobs. The cobs, once separated from the husks, stalks, etc., are conveyed to the wagon box provided on the wheeled frame of the apparatus. The separation of the stalks, husks, etc., from the corn cobs is achieved by passing a stream of air through the corn plant residue with the lighter stalks, husks, etc., being discharged to the ground with the cobs being collected in a wagon box on the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: Vernon L. Flamme
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Patent number: 5913803Abstract: A row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a first row unit supported by the frame, a second row unit supported by the frame adjacent the first row unit and a multiple row conveyor between the first row unit and the second row unit for conveying crops from the first and second row units.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Vincent M. Moster
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Patent number: 5899051Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a header connected to a conveying unit for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis to adjust for changes in ground contour. An endless conveyor is supported in the conveying duct of the conveying unit in a manner permitting its forward end to move vertically and a mechanism is provided to prevent contact between the conveying chains of the endless conveyor and the discharge doorway of the header unit when a predetermined pivotal movement of the header unit occurs.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: SAME Deutz-Fahr S.p.A.Inventor: Josef Ahle