Abstract: The application describes a system for harvesting seaweed. The system includes a frame structure (202) and a first device mounted (204,206) on the frame structure. The first device receives a tube net comprising the seaweed and selectively separates its apical tips protruding out of the tube net. The systems also includes a second device (212,214) mounted on the frame structure for receiving the tube net comprising partially harvested seaweed.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated RX 08075309. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line RX 08075309, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line RX 08075309 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line RX 08075309, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A green cicer bean harvesting method and apparatus. A harvesting combine (100) comprises a threshing apparatus (130) including a rotatable cylindrical drum (132) with an apertured outer wall (134), a main beater (140) and a plurality of satellite beaters (144, 146, 148), and a conveyor system (120, 122, 124) for transporting de-podded beans to a hopper (111), and a pod net conveyor (126) that filters the beans entering the hopper. A return chute (128) returns podded beans from the pod net conveyor to the drum. The apertures in the drum increase in size from smaller apertures at the front of the drum to larger apertures at the rear of the drum. The combine, drum, and beater operating parameters and dimensions are selected to enable effective mechanical harvesting of green cicer beans.

Abstract: A combine having a variable speed drive that rotates at least one of a plurality of thrashing cylinders that thrash crops. Three of the thrashing cylinders have a gradually increasing number of flexible fingers that thrash the crops. The combine also includes a drum separator located downstream of the thrashing cylinders with respect to the direction of crop flow in the combine. The drum separator separates desirable portions of the crops and is part of a tailings return system. The combine also includes disk separators that are configured to minimize damage to desirable portions of the crops.

Abstract: A cutter is provided for attachment to each end of a horizontally extending agricultural cutting bar. Each cutter includes a rotor having blades mounted about a periphery thereof for rotation about a horizontal rotor axis extending between the cutters. The rotor is driven by a hydraulic motor such that the blades engage the crop at high speed. The cutting apparatus cuts in a vertical direction for use in cutting entangled crops such as canola and peas and preventing the crop from being entangled on the ends of the cutting bar.

Abstract: A rotating bubble-up auger of an agricultural combine harvester having a fixed, lower auger assembly receiving a grain from a clean grain elevator. The rotating upper auger assembly is connected by a roller assembly to the lower auger assembly. A handle controls movement of the upper auger assembly. The operator lifts a spring-biased pin upwards and can rotate the assembly manually. Another option allows for the use of an electric motor that drives a worm gear. The worm gear contacts a series of collar teeth on an upper auger collar positioned on the upper auger assembly.

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: In the harvesting of legumes, apparatus having a plurality of rods mounted on a rotating axle provides a vibratory contact force to the seed containing pods to provide acceleration and impact forces to separate the seeds from the shells or pods containing the seeds, and an auger feeds the pods through the apparatus to optimize the time the pods are in contact with the rods.

Abstract: An improved separator outlet member for a pea sheller which includes a plurality of square passageways aligned side-by-side along the length of a base member. The peas are collected in the square openings as the pea sheller rotates and the peas drop onto a bottom plate spaced from the passageways from which the peas pass to a shaker for collection.